Volleyball’s Golden Woman dwelling the dream

Today, Ifunanya Udeagbala is one of the most gifted volleyball players on the continent ready to take over the keys of the sport and dominate for the next decade, According Sports Extra reports.

Sports has always captivated fans with the extraordinary talent and athleticism displayed by athletes.

From the iconic basketball legend Michael Jordan to the legendary tennis megastar Serena Williams, sports has always captivated the world, with the stars leaving an indelible mark on the memories of the fans.

And while fans bask in the glory of their favourite sportsmen and women, it is often the next generation of athletes that ignites curiosity and excitement.

While she is only 16, Udeagbala, a promising star set to take the world by storm, never ceases to dazzle at every tournament, with the Anambra-born teen winning laurels both in the domestic league and in Africa.

In 2023, Udeagbala was selected among the players that represented the country at the 2023 CAVB Zone 3 U-21 Women’s Championship in Niger Republic, and she didn’t disappoint, helping coach Rakiya Mohammed’s side win the championship.

Speaking with According Sports Extra, the tall and lanky star talks about her journey as a volleyball player.

“I started playing volleyball when I was 12 and it has been a great journey because it has helped me to develop as a person and as an athlete,” she said.

“Even though I am only 16, I think I am living the dream and I hope to continue to grow further.”

The young Anambra Queens star already boasts several individual accolades along with her 2023 CAVB Zone 3 U-21 Women’s Championship gold.

At 14, Ifunanya won the ‘Youngest Raw Talent Identified’ at the 2022 Thunder Games in Lagos. She also won the best striker award at the Legacy Championship in 2023, while also claiming the MVP for the 2023 season.

However, combining education and sports hasn’t been an easy task, but the youngster says with the help of her coach she has been able to seamlessly combine both.

“My coach helped me growing up and he looked for a way to help me balance my studies and training,” she added.

“While I was still in secondary school, he would exempt me from some training so that I don’t miss classes and I tried to make up for that whenever I was free.

“But it is usually tough on occasions when we have competitions and I have to travel.”

Not one of the most lucrative sports around, Ifunanya insists she made the right choice playing volleyball.

“A lot of people like to play football and some friends think I should be playing football because of my height and my stature, but I like volleyball and I think it is the best for me.

“Maybe not as lucrative as football but I like the fact that I don’t have to stress myself that much and I appreciate that we use our hands a lot.”

The quest for the next rising star is a continuous process for scouts and coaches alike. It’s a journey that often involves combing through countless competitions, searching for that one individual who possesses the perfect combination of skill, passion and dedication.

Ijeomah Ndudi, Anambra Queens coach, who also specialises in discovering grassroots talents, expressed joy in discovering the gem at a very tender age.

“Ifunanya is a very special and talented girl,” he told According Sports Extra.

“She started training with me when she was just 12  because she was part of the team that went for the 2021 Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara.

“Since then she has made massive progress and that is why she is representing the country and has also been invited into the U-21 team at just 16.

“Ifunanya started with the U-19 national team invitation and even though we know how talented she is and the quality she possesses, I was surprised at that time because she was very young. The federation organised an event for them and they had one Alexander Bolskovi, who came to monitor them and give them the necessary guidance.

“After the camping, Alexander tagged Ifunanaya a player for the future and asked that we take proper care of her.”

Interestingly, Udeagbala’s volleyball journey might not have seen the light of the day but for fate. Rather, it was her brother who wanted to play the game, but after unsuccessful trials with the Anambra State team, their mother encouraged Udeagbala to try her luck in the game.

“During the trial, she impressed everyone, and today the mother must be proud that she pushed so hard,” a family source said.

And now the youngster is already dreaming of winning a gold medal at the ongoing African Games in Ghana.

“I just want to thank God for the journey so far but I know I still have a long way to go. I want to start that long journey by winning another gold medal at the African Games in Ghana. I believe we can win it.”