Kano Pillars Win 2026 President Beach Volleyball Cup; Kada Emeralds Claim Women’s Title

Posted : 18 February 2026

Kano Pillars and Kada Emeralds have emerged champions in the senior men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 2026 President Beach Volleyball Tournament held at the Murtala Mohammed Square Beach Courts in Kaduna.

In the keenly contested women’s final, Kada Emeralds defeated Team Anista 2-1 to clinch the title. The encounter lived up to expectations as both sides displayed tactical discipline and resilience before Emeralds sealed victory in the deciding set.

In the men’s final, Kano Pillars overpowered Savannah Spikers in straight sets, winning 2-0. The first set ended 21-18, while Pillars dominated the second set 21-13 to secure a comfortable triumph and lift the trophy.

Earlier, the road to the finals was fiercely contested during the semi-final matches.

In the women’s category, Anista edged Katsina 2-1 after a gripping three-set battle. The first set ended 23-21, Katsina responded with a 22-20 win in the second, but Anista sealed qualification with a commanding 15-6 victory in the deciding set.

Kada Emeralds booked their place in the final after thrashing Adamawa Spikers 2-0, winning 21-17 and 21-12 in straight sets.

In the men’s semi-finals, Kano Pillars I defeated Akapson VC 2-1. Pillars took the first set 21-6, lost the second 16-21, but bounced back strongly to win the third set 15-4. Savannah Spikers also secured their final berth with a 2-1 victory over Dynamite VC. The sets ended 21-19, 18-21, and 15-6.

Speaking after the tournament, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engr. Musa Nimrod, expressed satisfaction with the level of competition and reiterated plans to reposition beach volleyball in the country.

He announced that club sharing of players within states would no longer be accepted, adding that proper screening of players would commence to ensure professionalism and order in the sport.

He urged stakeholders not to misinterpret the new reforms but rather challenge coaches to strengthen organization and discipline.

According to him, the national team will soon camp in Kaduna as part of preparations for international engagements, stressing that Nigeria aims to secure qualification tickets to showcase its talents globally.

He added that the federation is determined to remain competitive in Africa, noting that continuous growth is essential to avoid being overtaken by emerging teams.

Nimrod also appealed for the establishment of a standard volleyball pitch at Murtala Mohammed Square to complement existing facilities and promote the sport beyond football.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports, Professor Benjamin, commended the organisers, stating that the tournament demonstrated how private initiatives can positively engage youths and steer them away from social vices. He appreciated the state governor for providing an enabling environment to host the championship and pledged sustained support for volleyball development in the state.

He assured the federation that Kaduna is ready to host more national events, describing the facility as one of the best courts in the country.

In the U-17 girls’ category, Diamond Spikers defeated Kogi Spikers 2-0 in the final, winning 23-21 and 21-12. In the boys’ U-17 final, Team Kada beat Philric 2-1 to emerge champions.

Trophies and prize money were presented across categories. In the U-17 girls’ event, Anista claimed third position with N150,000, Kogi Spikers finished second with N250,000, while Diamond Spikers received N350,000 as champions.

In the boys’ U-17 category, Jikwoyi Braves earned N150,000 for third place, Philric received N250,000 for second, while Team Kada took home N350,000 as winners.

For the senior women’s category, Adamawa Spikers placed third with N250,000, Team Anista finished second with N350,000, while champions Kada Emeralds received the star prize.

In the senior men’s category, Akapson earned N250,000 for third position, Savannah Spikers received N350,000 as runners-up, while Kano Pillars claimed the top prize.

Reacting to their victory, Kada Emeralds’ Joy Lawrence and Pamela Bawa expressed excitement, saying they believed in victory from the start of the tournament.

They called on organisers to stage more competitions across the country to expose players to higher levels of competition, adding that they aspire to represent Nigeria internationally.

Also speaking, Kano Pillars’ Augustine Uchenna described his triumph as the reward for consistent training and teamwork. He noted that all participating teams performed well, but consistency made the difference.

Chairperson of the PAC Volleyball North Central Zonal Representative of the Board, Bolcit Barshep Amakiri, described volleyball as not just a game but a way of life that unites administrators and players. She disclosed that the zone will host its first PAC North Central championship in Jos between May and June, adding that junior players are gradually transitioning into the senior ranks with impressive performances.

The 2026 President Beach Volleyball Tournament ended on a high note, with stakeholders expressing optimism about the future of the sport in Nigeria.

Kano Pillars Win 2026 President Beach Volleyball Cup; Kada Emeralds Claim Women’s Title

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