The African Para Volleyball qualifiers for the 2024 Paralympic Games will serve off Monday at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere Lagos.
Eight countries are battling for the Paris Paralympic Games ticket following the last-minute withdrawal of Zimbabwe. The tournament will run from January 29 to February 20.
Nigeria Para-Volleyball Federation (NPVF) president, Kayode Ladele, said all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth running of the competition.
He assured that team Nigeria are prepared to give their best.
“Team Nigeria is very prepared for this qualifier; we have what it takes with our level of preparedness that we started years back,” said Mr. Ladele.
“We are popular in other para-sports like Powerlifting, but Para Volleyball is ready to rival that sport in picking an Olympics medal because this is a sport we are well prepared for.”
He thanked the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Sports and the Lagos State Government for providing the needed support to host the qualifiers historically and successfully.
Similarly, Dr Said Lamrini, Director of Sport, Para-Volleyball Africa thanked Nigerians and Lagosians for being a good host and volunteering to host the competition in Nigeria. According to the Technical Director of the 2024 African Para-Volley Championship, the continental body is proud of what Nigeria has done. He said they are optimistic that the best team will win.
Mohammed Sovabi, Head of Media and Communication from Para-Volleyball Africa described the qualifier as a big platform to build awareness around Para-Volleyball in Nigeria and the African continent. According to him, the Nigerian media will have to play a role in getting the sport the attention it deserves.
In Group A, Nigeria is grouped with Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya while square off against Rwanda, Algeria, and Libya in Group B. The women’s team will face competition from Kenya and Rwanda for a historic qualification for the 2024 Paralympics.
