Little Effort Crowned With Success Iwerimas Hails Nigeria U-18 Beach Volleyball Team
…Despite Rain Challenges
By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria U-18 beach volleyball coach, John Iwerimas, has expressed optimism that the team will deliver a strong performance at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal after describing its recent international outing as a valuable learning experience.
Iwerimas said the competition gave the young players an opportunity to experience the demands of competing against other African nations while also highlighting Nigeria’s strength in volleyball.
“The experience was worth it. These kids have been exposed to what it takes to play against African nations, and the experience in Senegal has further confirmed that Nigeria is a powerhouse in volleyball,” Iwerimas said.
The coach noted that the tournament provided important lessons for the players as they prepare for the Youth Olympic Games, which he described as the team’s next major assignment.
He revealed that preparations were affected by weather challenges, particularly persistent rainfall, which disrupted some training sessions.
“We had rain challenges, but all in all, we thank God that the little effort was crowned with success,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, Iwerimas said the team made the most of every available opportunity to train and prepare for the level of competition expected at the continental stage.
He explained that the international exposure would help the players improve their technical and competitive abilities while giving them a better understanding of the challenges they could face against other African teams.
“We know the challenges we have to face in Africa,” he said, adding that the players remained determined to build on the experience gained from the tournament.
Looking ahead, Iwerimas identified the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal as the team’s major target and expressed the hope that Nigeria would make a strong impression at the competition.
“We are going to Senegal for the Youth Olympics. We hope to make our mark there in Senegal,” he said.
The Games are scheduled for October-November, although Iwerimas said he was unable to confirm the exact dates at the time of the interview.
Meanwhile, Nigeria U-18 beach volleyball player Joy Lawrence expressed excitement about representing the country and pledged to intensify her preparations ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
Lawrence described the opportunity to represent Nigeria as both exciting and a privilege, promising to continue working hard to make the country proud.
“I feel so excited, and it is a privilege, and I know I’ll continue making Nigeria proud,” she said.
The young player acknowledged that there are still areas of her game that require improvement but assured that the team would return home determined to step up its training.
“We are coming back home to train harder so that we can go back to Dakar and conquer,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence also stressed the importance of having a clear goal as she prepares for the physical and mental demands of another major international competition.
“I know what I’m aiming for, so it’s my strength. I know how to cope. I know how to deal with my body and the rest because I know what my aim is,” she said.
“I know that I have to train. I have to work hard for me to be at the top.”
With valuable international experience gained from the recent outing, Iwerimas and his players are now focused on improving their performance ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
The team is expected to intensify preparations upon its return home, with the players determined to build on the lessons learned, overcome previous challenges and compete strongly for honours in Senegal.
