Nigeria Beach Volleyball teams intensify preparations for Zone 3 Nations Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria’s national beach volleyball teams have stepped up preparations for the 2026 African Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Nations Cup Qualifiers, with the coaching crew expressing confidence that the country is well positioned to book places at the continental championship.
The qualification tournament is scheduled to hold from July 3 to 7 at Badagry Beach in Lagos State, where teams from West and Central Africa will battle for slots at the African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup.
Speaking during a training session in Kaduna, National Beach Volleyball Coach Kayode Ajilore said the players have made significant progress following weeks of intensive camping and are in top condition for the competition.
Ajilore revealed that 16 athletes—eight men and eight women—are currently in camp, with the final squad to be trimmed to four male and four female players who will represent Nigeria at the qualifiers.
He explained that the technical crew has focused on improving the athletes’ physical fitness, endurance, tactical awareness and technical ability to ensure they are fully equipped for the challenges ahead.
“The players are competition-ready. Physically, tactically and technically, they are well prepared. I can confidently say they are ready to make Nigeria proud,” Ajilore said.
The coach also praised the leadership of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, led by President Engr. Musa Nimrod, for providing a conducive environment that has aided the team’s preparations. According to him, the federation’s commitment to the welfare of the players has boosted morale and strengthened the athletes’ determination.
Nigeria will compete against Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Gabon, among other participating nations, for qualification to the continental tournament.
Although Nigeria will enjoy home support in Badagry, Ajilore stressed that success would depend on the team’s preparation and performance rather than the advantage of hosting.
“Hosting does not automatically guarantee victory, but it gives the players extra motivation because they will have Nigerians cheering them on. We are preparing to win, and I can assure Nigerians that the team will give a good account of itself,” he added.
Assistant coach of the women’s team, Felicia Amos, expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, describing the players as focused, disciplined and eager to succeed.
“We are preparing for the Zone 3 competition in Badagry, and the girls have shown great commitment throughout the training. They are active, disciplined and ready to represent Nigeria,” Amos said.
Men’s national beach volleyball coach John Iwerima also commended the two-week camping programme, noting that it has helped the players develop better teamwork while sharpening their technical and tactical skills.
He added that the close proximity of the training facility to the team’s accommodation has reduced logistical challenges, allowing the athletes to concentrate fully on their preparations.
“Everything needed for effective preparation has largely been provided. We have accommodation, water and a training facility close to the camp. Although there are minor challenges, they are not enough to affect our preparations. Our target is to qualify for the African Nations Cup,” Iwerima said.
One of the players in camp, Peter Ibrahim, praised the quality of the training programme and the welfare support provided, assuring Nigerians that the team is determined to deliver impressive performances.
“We appreciate the opportunity to camp under experienced coaches. The training has been very intensive, and everything we need, including accommodation, feeding and other welfare support, has been provided. We are ready to give our best and make Nigeria proud,” Ibrahim said.
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