Iwerimas Targets Youth Olympic Glory After Nigeria’s U-18 Beach Volleyball Success

Nigeria U-18 beach volleyball coach, John Iwerimas, has set his sights on a strong performance at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal after describing the team’s recent international outing as a valuable learning experience.

Iwerimas said the competition exposed the young players to the demands of facing other African nations and further demonstrated 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 said the tournament provided important lessons for the players as they prepare for their next major assignment at the Youth Olympic Games.

According to him, the team faced several challenges during preparations, particularly the weather, with persistent rainfall affecting training sessions.

“We had rain challenges, but all in all, we thank God that the little effort was crowned with success,” he said.

Iwerimas, however, said the team made the most of every opportunity to train, knowing the level of competition they would encounter against other African countries.

He stressed that the exposure gained from the international tournament would help the players improve and prepare better for the Youth Olympic Games.

“We know the challenges we have to face in Africa,” he said, adding that the players were determined to build on their recent experience.

Iwerimas identified the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal as the team’s next major target, saying Nigeria would be aiming to make its mark 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 the coach said he could not confirm the exact dates at the time of the interview.

Meanwhile, Nigeria U-18 beach volleyball player Joy Lawrence expressed excitement over representing the country and vowed to work harder ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.

Lawrence described the experience as both exciting and a privilege, promising to continue making Nigeria proud.

“I feel so excited, and it is a privilege, and I know I’ll continue making Nigeria proud,” she said.

The young player admitted that there were still areas of her game that needed improvement but said the team would return home to intensify preparations.

“We are coming back home to train harder so that we can go back to Dakar and conquer,” Lawrence said.

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She added that having a clear goal would help her cope with the physical and mental demands of preparing for 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 the international experience behind them and the Youth Olympic Games ahead, Iwerimas and Lawrence believe the Nigerian U-18 team can use the lessons learned to return stronger and compete for honours on the continental stage.