By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s beach volleyball hopes at the African U-18 Girls’ Developmental Cup will be spearheaded by Joy Lawrence and Ifechukwu Odoh, who have departed the country for the tournament in Saly, Senegal.
The competition, which runs from August 8 to 14, 2026, is part of preparations for the Youth Olympic Games, with the Nigerian duo aiming to gain valuable international experience and make a strong impression.
Coach John Iwerima said the players are in high spirits after undergoing an intensive training programme in camp, expressing confidence in their ability to compete strongly in Senegal.
“The players are in high spirits and have prepared very well for this competition. They have undergone an intensive training programme in camp, and we are confident that they will give a good account of themselves,” Iwerima said.
The former international added that the team’s ambition extends beyond the developmental tournament, with the experience expected to provide a solid foundation for Nigeria’s preparations for the Youth Olympic Games.
“Our target is to make Nigeria proud and gain valuable experience that will help us at the Youth Olympic Games. We want the players to compete strongly, learn from every match and continue to improve,” he said.
Iwerima also praised the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission for its continued investment in youth development, noting that such efforts are crucial to discovering and nurturing young talents capable of competing at the highest level.
With Lawrence and Odoh now set for action in Saly, Nigeria will hope the young pair can turn their intensive preparation into a strong showing on the continental stage.
