Nigeria’s Rofiat Mustapha and Esther Mbah lost to Mozambique’s Muianga and Sinaportar 0-2 (9-21, 13-21) in the third place match yesterday.

Despite losing the match, coach of the beach volleyball team, Kayode Ajilore, commended the resilient spirit of the girls.

He said the initial plan of Team Nigeria was to enter into the finals, adding that returning home without a medal is very painful.

“I am happy with the fighting spirit of Esther Mbah and Rafiat Mustapha throughout the championship; they performed above my expectations. Before departing the country, our target was to reach the finals in either the men or women’s team. Returning home without a medal is painful but I must commend the girls for giving their opponents good fights in the semifinals and third place match.

“This is the first time both of them will be pairing in an African Championship and I am optimistic they will win laurels for the country in future championships,” he added.