NVBF Confident of Strong Outing as Nigeria Gears Up to Host 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup
NVBF Confident of Strong Outing as Nigeria Gears Up to Host 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cu
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has expressed strong confidence in the country’s readiness to host the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup, with officials optimistic that both the men’s and women’s national teams will compete for top honours at the tournament scheduled for July 3 to 7 in Badagry, Lagos State.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, the federation’s Second Vice President, Architect Adamu Tanimu, said Nigerian volleyball has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, largely driven by the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, which has become a key platform for identifying players capable of representing the country at international competitions.
Tanimu described the ongoing league season as one of the most competitive in the federation’s history, attributing the improved standard of play to the return of several Nigerian professionals from overseas. According to him, the league has successfully achieved one of its primary objectives by producing a strong pool of players for the national teams.
He also disclosed that preparations for the men’s Zone 3 qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire are underway, with the team set to begin camping in Abuja. He expressed confidence in the selected players, saying they are in excellent condition and ready to represent Nigeria on the continental stage.
Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, Mrs. Bolcit Amakri, assured Nigerians that the beach volleyball teams are in peak condition after commencing training camp last week under the supervision of the national coaching crew.
Amakri noted that the women’s team had already secured qualification for the African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup after winning gold in Angola last December, while the men’s team will battle for qualification at the upcoming Zone 3 tournament. She expressed optimism that the men’s side would also book its place at the championship, with both teams expected to continue preparations in Badagry ahead of the competition.
Reviewing the federation’s activities this year, Tanimu acknowledged that the death of one of Nigeria’s respected volleyball referees in March disrupted the competition calendar and necessitated adjustments to the league schedule.
Despite the setback, he reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening its operations, improving players’ welfare, and enhancing administrative standards in line with global best practices. He added that although significant progress has been made, volleyball still requires greater financial support to sustain its development.
Describing sports as a major economic opportunity, Tanimu appealed to corporate organisations, private investors, and development partners to support Nigerian volleyball and contribute to restoring the sport to greater heights.
Representing the players, Dauda Saje commended both the federation and the Nigeria Customs Service for their continued support but appealed for improved welfare packages, particularly in the areas of healthcare and financial assistance for athletes.
The federation’s Technical Director, Martins Menlandi, praised the leadership of the NVBF, saying the steady progress recorded across domestic competitions reflects the board’s commitment to developing volleyball in Nigeria.
Amakri explained that the media briefing was organised to update stakeholders on the federation’s activities while highlighting the growing commercial opportunities within the sport. She revealed that the federation’s digital platforms have generated more than two million views, a testament to volleyball’s increasing popularity and marketing potential.
She called on corporate organisations, private investors, and other stakeholders to partner with the federation, stressing that increased sponsorship would accelerate the development of volleyball and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness on the African stage.
Nigeria will host the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup in Badagry, Lagos State, from July 3 to 7, aiming to build on its recent successes and further establish itself as one of Africa’s leading beach volleyball nations.
(NSC MEDIA, 26th June, 2026)
