By Bashir Bello, Abuja
Nigeria’s national beach volleyball teams have intensified preparations ahead of the 2026 African Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Nations Cup Qualifiers, with coaches expressing confidence that the country is on course to secure qualification for the continental championship.
The championship, which will take place from July 3 to 7 at Badagry Beach in Lagos State, will feature teams from across West and Central Africa competing for qualification tickets to the African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup.
Speaking during a training session in Kaduna yesterday, National Beach Volleyball Coach, Kayode Ajilore, said the players have responded positively to weeks of intensive camping and are in excellent condition ahead of the tournament.
Ajilore disclosed that 16 athletes, comprising eight men and eight women, are currently in camp, noting that only four male and four female players will eventually be selected to represent Nigeria at the qualifier.
According to him, the technical crew has concentrated on improving the players’ physical fitness, endurance, tactical discipline and technical skills to ensure they are fully prepared for the demands of the competition.
“The players are competition ready. Physically, tactically and technically, they are well prepared. I can confidently say they are ready to make Nigeria proud,” he said.
The national coach commended the leadership of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation under its President, Engr. Musa Nimrod, for creating an enabling environment that has supported the team’s preparations.
He said the federation has prioritised the welfare of the athletes throughout the camping exercise, a development he believes has boosted the players’ morale and commitment.
Ajilore said Nigeria would compete alongside Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Gabon, among other participating countries, in the qualification tournament.
While acknowledging the advantage of playing before home supporters, he maintained that success would ultimately depend on the team’s level of preparation and performance on the court.
“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, also expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded during the camping exercise, describing the players as focused, disciplined and determined to achieve success.
“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,” she said.
Similarly, the men’s national beach volleyball coach, John Iwerima, said the two week camping programme has enabled the athletes to build cohesion and sharpen their skills ahead of the championship.
According to him, the close proximity between the training facility and the team’s accommodation has reduced logistical challenges and allowed the players to concentrate fully on training.
“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, commended the quality of the training programme and the welfare arrangements, assuring Nigerians that the athletes remain determined to deliver strong 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.
