CAVB Zone 3 targets continental success

...As Ali Yaro backs strong preparation for Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire

By Maxwell Kumoye

President of CAVB Zone 3, Ali Yaro, has praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for successfully hosting the African Nations Cup Beach Volleyball Zone 3 Qualifiers, describing the tournament as a crucial platform for the development of the sport in West Africa.

Speaking during the competition, Yaro commended the federation's leadership and officials for delivering a successful championship, stressing that while Nigeria had already secured qualification for the African Nations Beach Volleyball Championship, the tournament provided other countries with a valuable opportunity to compete and prepare for the continental showpiece.

He noted that staging the event in Badagry proved to be a wise decision, saying the city's location made travel easier for neighbouring countries and contributed to the impressive turnout of participating teams.

Yaro expressed delight with the presence of six nations, adding that the quality of competition reflected the growing strength of volleyball within Zone 3.

"The standard of play has been very high," he said. "Last year, Zone 3 produced several teams that qualified for the World Championship, which shows the strength and potential of our region."

The Zone 3 president urged leading volleyball nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Togo to sustain their progress and continue raising the level of competition across the region.

Looking ahead, Yaro revealed plans for a regional training camp to further strengthen preparations for the African Nations Beach Volleyball Championship in Morocco. He said the camp could be hosted by Benin, Nigeria or Togo and would bring together the region's top teams.

"When we go to Morocco, we will not only represent our individual countries but also Zone 3," he said. "We must work together to ensure our teams are fully prepared for this important competition."

According to Yaro, a strong outing in Morocco would also boost the region's chances of securing qualification for the World Championship.

Beyond the beach volleyball campaign, he disclosed that Zone 3 would immediately turn its attention to the African Nations Cup indoor volleyball qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where seven countries are expected to compete.

Yaro concluded by wishing all participating teams success in the qualifiers, expressing confidence that the countries advancing to Morocco would continue working together to achieve continental glory and earn places at the World Championship.

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