Former National U19 volleyball player Pascal Ozokoye expressed his excitement after representing Nigeria at the recently concluded 13th African Games in Ghana.
Nigeria faced a 1-3 defeat against host Ghana in the men’s quarterfinals held at the newly constructed Borteyman Sports Complex in Ghana.
While speaking with aclsports, Ozokoye highlighted the fantastic individual players Nigeria possesses but noted the lack of synergy within the team.
He emphasized that the current group of players has the potential to make the country proud if they stick together for upcoming international championships.
Ozokoye, a former Plateau Rocks player, expressed, “It was an honor to represent the country, especially with a very young team, although we were not complete except for a few senior players who participated in the African Games.”
“I was optimistic that we could achieve more. I believed we had a chance to finish on the podium, but circumstances were different. As a young team, remaining united in the coming years will make a significant difference.”
He suggested the need for diverse strategies and tactical plans, especially in tight situations or crucial moments during matches, to maintain momentum and avoid setbacks.
Ozokoye stressed the importance of focusing on team play and individual skills, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, and adapting to modern volleyball strategies for improved performance in Nigeria’s senior national teams.