• Keeps 2028 Olympics hopes alive

Nigeria’s hopes of feayuring in the volley ball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games got a big boost yesterday when the senior men’s national team defeated a hard-fighting Algeria on tiebreak in their final group game.

The winner of the championship qualifies automatically for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, while the top three finishers qualify for the FIVB 2027 World Championship/World Cup.

Yesterday’s victory did not come easy as the Algerians fought hard in all the quarters of the game.

Nigeria, who are Zone 3 champions, started the first set on a high note, taking the lead, but the North African side took over to win 25-23.

Nigeria came out strong in the second set, sending Algeria to the cleaners and securing a vital 25-19 points before slumbering in the third set, as it ended in favour of the North African team 25-21 points.

The Nigerians staged another comeback, taking the fourth set 25-20 points before winning the tie-breaker 15-12 points.

Speaking after the encounter, Nigeria’s coach, Ryan Masajedi, commended his wards for their resilience, explaining that Nigeria needed to win the match and avoid struggling in the Round of 16.

The Japanese said: “I am impressed with the way the players picked up after losing the first set. The set was in our favour initially, but the Algerians were lucky it went in their favour.

“The players have once again shown that they can perform under any circumstances, and they picked up after the first set, and we ended up winning the match.

“We started the tournament playing Chad, and the victory against Algeria has cemented us amongst the favourites at the Nations Championship.”

He charged the players not to be carried away by the win once again, urging them to prepare for their next opponent.

Masajedi applauded Nigerians back home for their prayers, support and words of encouragement during the championship.