Tag: Beach Volleyball

The stage is set for the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, with Africa’s finest duos — including Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique, Togo, Benin, and Morocco — learning their group-stage opponents for the highly anticipated global competition taking place in Adelaide, Australia, between November 14  and 23.

The draw, held yesterday, brought together 48 men’s and 48 women’s teams, marking the largest-ever edition of the tournament and the first to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere. Each gender’s competition features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and four best third-placed duos advancing directly to the round of 32. The remaining third-placed pairs will contest a “lucky losers” round for the last qualification spots — ensuring ten days of thrilling action across 216 matches.

Nigeria’s women’s pair, Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa have been drawn into a tough Pool C, where they will battle some of the sport’s elite — Nuss/Brasher (USA), Van Driel/Bekhuis (Netherlands), and Vitoria/Hegele (Germany).

The Nigerians face a stern test against the Americans’ trademark power play and the disciplined European sides. However, their recent progress on the African circuit, coupled with growing confidence and experience, gives them a fighting chance to make an impression on the world stage.

Egypt, the most represented African nation with two women’s teams, face a tough draw.

Marwa/Nada (Group B) will take on Carol/Rebecca (Brazil), Davidova/Khmil (Ukraine), and Konnik/Poiesz (Netherlands).

Mahassine/Dina (Group J) are up against Melissa/Brandie (Canada), Vieira/Chamereau (France), and Stam/Schoon (Netherlands).

Mozambique’s duo Vanessa/Mucheza in Group D will clash with Cannon/Kraft (USA), Ittlinger/Grüne (Germany), and Placette/Richard (France) in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most challenging pools. Their qualification alone marks a milestone for women’s beach volleyball in Southern Africa.

In the men’s category, three African nations — Togo, Benin, and Morocco — will take on the world’s elite.

Togo’s Kotoka/Samani (Group H) face Perusic/Schweiner (Czech Republic), Plavins/Fokerots (Latvia), and Partain/Benesh (USA) — a baptism of fire for the Togolese, who are making their first-ever World Championship appearance.

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Benin’s Yacoubou/Tohouenon (Group F) square off against Diaz/Alayo (Cuba), Pedrosa/Campos (Portugal), and Fuller/O’Dea (Australia) — a balanced group where teamwork could be Benin’s strongest asset.

Morocco’s Ilyas/El Gharouti (Group L) meet Nicolaidis/Carracher (Australia), Bassereau/Aye (France), and Grimalt/Grimalt (Chile) — a pool featuring regional favorites and experienced international campaigners.

Africa’s six-nation representation underlines the continent’s steady growth in beach volleyball, fuelled by increased zonal tournaments, training programs, and grassroots initiatives championed by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB).

While the traditional powerhouses from Brazil, the United States, and Germany remain the favourites, Africa’s duos are eager to show that the gap is narrowing. The World Championship offers them not only exposure but also invaluable experience ahead of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

As the countdown to November 14 begins, Adelaide is set to host a festival of sand, sun, and spikes — and Africa’s teams, led by Nigeria, will be out to prove that their place among the world’s elite is no accident.

Nigeria enjoyed a strong start at the ongoing 2025 CAVB Zone 3 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship in Abidjan, securing three victories on Wednesday, August 27.

In the men’s category, the duo of Ibrahim Peter and Uchenna Austin defeated Benin Republic 2-0 (21-14, 21-16) in their opening match held at the Canal de Koumassi Remblais Hotel.

In the women’s category, Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa outclassed Ivory Coast III with a convincing 2-0 win (21-9, 21-8), while Nigeria’s Team B followed suit, defeating Ivory Coast I 2-0 (21-18, 21-12).

Head coach of Nigeria’s beach volleyball teams, Kayode Ajilore, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stressing the importance of asserting dominance in the region.

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He noted that the women’s team is made up of young, promising athletes, three of whom featured at the last Africa U18 Championship held in Nigeria.

Ajilore said: “We are here to stamp our authority in the region and make a statement. The players have shown hunger and composure on the court, and we are optimistic about our chances moving forward.”

 “Three out of the four players in the women’s team were part of the Africa U18 Championship last year. They’ve continued to grow, and their performance so far is encouraging,” he added.

Ajilore, who also coaches at the Nigeria Immigration Service, assured Nigerians that the teams are focused and ready to make the country proud.

 “We won’t disappoint. These players understand the task ahead and are fully committed to delivering for Nigeria,” he said.

Nigeria will host the Under 18 Beach Volleyball African Nations Cup  between  August 1^st  and 7^th  in Abuja according  to a source close to the President, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod .

It is the first time Nigeria will be hosting the Beach Volleyball Under 18 competition with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja earmarked to host all the African nations.

Sub-Saharan African nations like Angola, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Comoros, South Africa among others are expected to grace the competition.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has congratulated the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

In a statement signed by NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, the Federation expressed confidence that CGC Adeniyi will bring innovation and transformation to the WCO.

Nimrod noted that Adeniyi has significantly improved the fortunes of Nigeria Customs in a short time, adding that the global community will soon feel his positive impact.

He also highlighted Adeniyi’s strong support for sports, particularly volleyball, through consistent sponsorships.

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“The entire board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation congratulates you on your election as Chairperson of the WCO Council,” the statement read.

“In just two years as CGC, you have not only boosted revenue collection and surpassed budgetary targets, but have also made substantial investments in volleyball.

“Under your leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service sponsored the 2024 Volleyball League and hosted the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, widely acclaimed as the best edition to date.

“We are confident you will exceed expectations at the WCO Council.”

CGC Adeniyi officially assumed leadership of the WCO Council yesterday, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.

Nigeria women’s beach volleyball team are through to the 2025 World Championship in Adelaide, Australia coming up in November.

The pair of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa beat Egypt 2-1 (21-14, 20-22, 15-9) to finish in third place at the just concluded CAVB Continental Championship in Martil, Morocco.

Head coach of the Nigeria beach volleyball team, Kayode Ajilore, applauded the players for giving their best during the championship.

Ajilore said the result in Morocco is an indication of hard work and determination from the entire team.

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He acknowledged the efforts of the Engineer Musa Nimrod, President CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission for creating the platform for the players to excel.

He said: “Firstly, I want to give glory to God for crowning our little efforts with success. The players have shown the world that the African Games silver medal was no fluke. They played to every instruction given to them.

 “I want to thank the President of CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for believing in us and giving us the platform to excel. The board members of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation have also been supportive of the entire team.

Ajilore said the support of the Sports Secretary Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku stood out in Morocco.

He added:  “We also want to thank our chief supporter Samuel Onikeku, who stood with us throughout the championship to encourage us financially and mentally. His presence really made a great boost to us in Morocco.”

The first Kwara Beach Volleyball Tournament is set  to hold between  December 27and 28 at WaterView Park in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Media Assistant to Nigeria Volleyball Federation President Eng. Musa Nimrod,  Dare Kuti  said the event aims to promote the sport and discover new talent.

“This tournament will provide a vital platform for athletes to showcase their skills and passion,” Kuti stated at a press conference.

The competition welcomes participants from military and paramilitary organizations, as well as students from tertiary institutions, fostering camaraderie among diverse groups.

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Key collaborations include the Kwara State Volleyball Association, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association (Kwara State), University of Ilorin, Kwara State Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Youth Development.

Kuti emphasized the need for partnerships with investors to enhance the tournament and promote beach volleyball in Nigeria.

He also encouraged the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Kwara to help publicize the event and raise community awareness.

Additionally, Kuti congratulated Engineer Musa Nimrod on his recent appointment as President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, highlighting its significance for the Nigerian sports community.

Nigeria has emerged champions of the 2024 African U19 Girls Beach Volleyball Nations Championship in Morocco.

The pair of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa (Nigeria) defeated Morocco 2-0 (21-8, 21-8) in the women’s final played at the Martil Beach in Tanger, Morocco on Thursday.

In the group stages, Nigeria beat Congo DR 2-0 (21-13, 21-6) and Morocco Team B 2-0 (21-8, 21-11) to top the Pool B before progressing to the semifinals where Nigeria whitewashed Gambia 2-0 (21-3, 21-9).

Captain of Nigeria’s U19 beach volleyball team, Esther Mbah expressed delight in winning the U19 African Beach Volleyball Nations Championship and qualifying for the 2024 FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championship in China from 27th August to 1st September.

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Mbah applauded the Nigeria Volleyball Federation under the leadership of Engineer Musa Nimrod for ensuring the team attended the U19 African Nations Championship as well as putting the map of Nigeria on the continent.

The African Games bronze medallist said, “All glory to God for allowing us to represent the country at the U19 African Beach Volleyball Nations Championship. Winning the gold medal for Nigeria after the African Games means a lot to me; we fought hard and got the desired results. Preparations for the World Championship will begin in earnest; the annual Beach Tour in Nigeria will help us fine-tune some of our lapses and our coaches have the technical abilities to help us grow.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for the support given to us before and during the Championship. My coaches, senior players, friends, family, and well-wishers have been praying for the success of the team; my prayer is that God will continue to protect us all”.

Reacting to missing the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Esther Mbah said, “It was a painful defeat in the final of the qualifiers. We led in the first set of the game but the Egyptians were more experienced, levelled up, and got the sole ticket to the Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s men’s team won a bronze medal at the just concluded 2024 African U19 Boys Beach Volleyball Nations Championship in Cote d’Ivoire.

The duo of Victor Eze and Ndifrike Geroge defeated Congo 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) in the men’s third-place match.