Nigeria national sitting volleyball teams, men and women, have withdrawn from the upcoming 2019 ParaVolley African Championships.

The Secretary General of Africa ParaVolley Committee, Celestin Nzeyimana, confirmed the development to Times Sport on Tuesday, saying that the teams cited financial constraints as to why they are no longer participating in the continental showpiece.

The women’s championship will take place from September 15-17, with the men’s section running from September 19 through 22 in Kigali.

"Nigerian federation have informed us of their financial constraints, and as a result withdrew from the competition. We have acknowledged their withdrawal,” Nzeyimana said.

Meanwhile, Rwanda’s men and women’s teams continue intensive preparations at Amahoro Stadium as they eye both titles for tickets to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Rwanda was the first African team to qualify and feature in the women’s sitting volleyball event, with their men counterparts having made their debut at the 2012 London Games.

This year marks the third time Rwanda is hosting the Africa Sitting Volleyball Championships in the last five years.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com