Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Nigeria bounced back from their opening defeat to Tunisia to beat South Sudan 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-19) in their second match of the ongoing 2021 CAVB African Volleyball Nations Cup in Rwanda.
It was a must-win game for Usman Abdullah’s side, who on Tuesday lost 3-0 ((25-15, 25-21, 25-18) to 10-time champions Tunisia. The victory now puts them in a good position ahead of their last pool game.
Speaking after the game, Abdullah hailed his team’s experience and tenacity despite the physical attributes of their opponents. He said, “South Sudan lost 3-2 to Ethiopia on Tuesday and it was expected of them to become more physical against us. I’m excited the boys used their experience to suppress the South Sudan boys.
“We are not in Rwanda for jamboree, our minimum target is to be in this year’s quarter-finals and if possible secure a semi-final ticket. For those who know me, the word impossible is not in my dictionary.
“After losing to Tunisia, I drew the attention of the boys to their bad blocks and lack of defending after an attack and I am happy the boys adhered to every instruction from the coaching crew.”
Abdullah added that the team’s next target was to secure maximum points against Ethiopia today. “Our mission is simple, beat Ethiopia and qualify for the quarter-finals. We are not going to joke with any set against Ethiopia; the boys mean serious business this time around.”
