Nigeria’s Lawrence, Odoh Target Youth Olympic Games Experience in Senegal

Posted : 09 August 2026

Nigeria’s Joy Lawrence and Ifechukwu Odoh will begin another important stage of their development when they compete at the African U18 Girls’ Developmental Cup in Saly, Senegal.

The Nigerian beach volleyball pair departed the country on Friday for the tournament, scheduled to hold from August 8 to 14, as part of preparations towards the Youth Olympic Games.

Coach John Iwerima said the players are well prepared for the competition after undergoing an intensive training programme in camp.

According to him, Lawrence and Odoh are in high spirits and determined to make a strong impression 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 coach explained that the tournament represents more than an opportunity to compete, as the players are expected to gain valuable international experience that could prove important ahead of 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 initiatives were essential to producing athletes capable of competing successfully at major international competitions.

He said sustained support for young players would help broaden Nigeria’s talent pool and create a pathway for the next generation of beach volleyball stars.

The African U18 Girls’ Developmental Cup is therefore expected to provide Lawrence and Odoh with an important platform to test themselves against their continental counterparts while gaining experience ahead of future international assignments.

With the competition running until August 14, attention will now turn to the young Nigerians as they seek to translate their preparations into strong performances on the court in Saly.

The tournament will offer the duo another opportunity to sharpen their competitive skills and build confidence as they continue their journey towards representing Nigeria at the Youth Olympic Games.

Nigeria’s Lawrence, Odoh Target Youth Olympic Games Experience in Senegal

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics