Nigeria targets Beach Volleyball Nations Cup ticket as Zone 3 qualifiers serve off

Posted : 01 July 2026

Nigeria's national beach volleyball teams are confident of booking places at the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup as preparations enter the final phase ahead of the African Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Nations Cup Qualifiers.

The qualification tournament is scheduled to hold from July 3 to July 7 at Badagry Beach, Lagos State, where Nigeria will host several West and Central African countries battling for places at the continental championship.

Speaking after a training session in Kaduna, National Beach Volleyball Coach, Kayode Ajilore, said the athletes have shown remarkable progress during weeks of intensive camping and are ready to compete at the highest level.

According to Ajilore, 16 players—eight men and eight women—are currently in camp, with the final squads of four men and four women to be selected before the championship begins.

He explained that the technical crew has focused on improving the players' fitness, endurance, tactical awareness, and technical abilities to ensure they are fully equipped for the demands of the tournament.

"The players are competition-ready. Physically, tactically, and technically, they have worked very hard, and we are confident they will make Nigeria proud," Ajilore said.

The coach also praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, led by its President, Engr. Musa Nimrod, for providing the support and conducive environment that have aided the team's preparations.

He noted that the federation's commitment to players' welfare throughout the camping period has boosted morale and allowed the athletes to concentrate fully on training.

Nigeria will compete against teams from Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Gabon, and other participating countries for the available qualification slots.

While admitting that home support could inspire the players, Ajilore stressed that qualification would ultimately depend on performance on the sand.

"Playing at home gives us extra motivation because Nigerians will be behind us, but we know we must earn qualification through hard work and good performances," he added.

Assistant coach of the women's team, Felicia Amos, described the players as disciplined and highly motivated, expressing optimism that they would rise to the occasion in Badagry.

"The girls have trained well throughout the camping period. They are focused, committed, and determined to represent Nigeria with pride," Amos said.

Men's national beach volleyball coach, John Iwerima, also commended the quality of the camping programme, noting that the proximity of the training venue to the athletes' accommodation has enhanced productivity and team bonding.

He said the favourable training environment has enabled the players to sharpen their skills without major distractions.

"Our preparations have gone according to plan. The facilities and welfare have helped the players stay focused, and our objective remains to qualify for the African Nations Cup," Iwerima said.

One of the athletes in camp, Peter Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for the intensive training programme and welfare support provided by the federation.

"The coaches have pushed us to improve every day, and the welfare has been excellent. We are determined to justify the confidence Nigerians have in us and qualify for the Nations Cup," Ibrahim said.

The strategic build-up in Kaduna and comprehensive support from the federation have successfully placed both teams in prime positions ahead of the qualifiers. With home-court advantage at Badagry Beach, the contingent possesses the collective talent and tactical discipline required to execute their plans. The final rosters now carry the ultimate responsibility of translating this high morale into official continental tickets.

Nigeria targets Beach Volleyball Nations Cup ticket as Zone 3 qualifiers serve off

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