Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national beach volleyball teams have intensified preparations for the 2026 African Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Nations Cup Qualifiers, with the technical crew expressing confidence that the country will secure qualification for the continental championship.
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The qualifying tournament is scheduled to hold from July 3 to 7 at Badagry Beach, Lagos State, where teams from West and Central Africa will battle for places at the African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup.
Speaking after a training session in Kaduna, National Beach Volleyball Coach Kayode Ajilore said the players have responded positively to weeks of intensive camping and are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
“Nigeria is ready to qualify. Physically, tactically and technically, our players are well prepared, and I’m confident they will make the country proud,” Ajilore said.
The coach revealed that 16 athletes—eight men and eight women—are currently in camp, with only four male and four female players expected to make the final squad for the qualifiers.
According to Ajilore, the coaching crew has focused on improving the players’ fitness, endurance, tactical awareness and technical abilities to ensure they are ready to compete against some of the region’s strongest teams.
He also praised the leadership of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, led by Engr. Musa Nimrod, for providing a conducive environment and prioritising the welfare of the athletes throughout the camping programme.
“Hosting the tournament gives us extra motivation because we’ll have the support of our fans, but qualification will ultimately depend on our performances on the court,” he added.
Assistant coach of the women’s team, Felicia Amos, expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by the players, describing them as disciplined and determined to achieve success.
Men’s team coach John Iwerima also commended the quality of the camping arrangements, noting that the proximity of the training facilities and accommodation has enabled the athletes to focus fully on preparation.
“Everything needed for effective preparation has largely been provided. Our target is clear—we want to qualify for the African Nations Cup,” Iwerima said.
One of the players in camp, Peter Ibrahim, thanked the federation for the welfare support and assured Nigerians that the team is determined to deliver impressive performances on home soil.
Nigeria will compete against Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Gabon and other participating nations as they seek qualification for the continental championship.
