Elizabeth Ilesanmi, a passionate volleyball player, embarked on her volleyball journey five years ago in Abuja, and she hasn’t looked back since.
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In a recent interview with Sports247, she shared her enriching experiences in the world of volleyball.
“My experience has been incredible, and it has positively impacted me in numerous ways,” Elizabeth said. She has actively participated in various competitions, showcasing her talent on both national and international platforms.
Notably, she represented Nigeria in the U-17 volleyball championship in Cotonou in 2018 and was part of the Nigerian U-21 team that competed in Kenya in 2019.
Furthermore, she contributed to the success of the Offa Volleyball team, which emerged as champions in the 7th Edition of the Legacy Volleyball Championship.
Standing at a height of about six feet, Elizabeth acknowledges that her stature provides her with a significant advantage in the game.
Despite her love for volleyball, Elizabeth is aware of the challenges that the sport faces, such as a lack of sponsors and limited opportunities for players to compete abroad. She emphasized, “It’s only recently that some players started traveling abroad to play professionally.” She believes that these issues are the major hurdles volleyball in Nigeria needs to overcome.
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Elizabeth also called for government support, highlighting that volleyball has long been neglected. She pointed out the financial struggles that young players face, including inadequate compensation and the absence of camping allowances.
Despite these challenges, the passion for the game continues to drive these young athletes.
Elizabeth’s dedication to both her volleyball career and her role as a naval officer from Osun State exemplifies her commitment to her dreams and her country.
