Thirty teams are set to compete in the 6th annual President Beach Volleyball Tournament, which kicks off on Friday in Kaduna.
Organizers are promoting the event as a key opportunity for selecting players for upcoming international championships.
The tournament, running until February 17, will include both senior and junior players in male and female divisions from various volleyball-playing states across the country.
During a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, DCP Stephen Hasso (rtd), Chairman of the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, highlighted that the participation of 30 teams reflects the increasing interest in the sport and the significance of this competition in Nigeria’s beach volleyball calendar.
Hasso noted that this year’s tournament is unique as it will include senior players being evaluated for the Beach Volleyball Championship set for July.
“We anticipate 30 teams will participate in this tournament. This edition is different from previous ones because we are uniting both senior and junior players, male and female, from various states.
“The goal is to assess their skills and ensure that those selected to represent Nigeria are well-prepared,” Hasso stated.
He emphasized that the competition will serve as a platform to evaluate athletes who have demonstrated consistency and potential in recent performances.
Additionally, technical representative, Timothy Samuel mentioned that Nigeria’s female beach volleyball team currently holds the top position in Africa, while the male team ranks ninth.
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“Our female team has maintained a strong performance and is ranked first on the continent. The male team is ninth, and we are striving to improve our ranking.
“This tournament is part of our strategy to identify talented players ahead of the championships in June and July,” Samuel explained.
He expressed optimism that the Kaduna tournament would further enhance Nigeria’s dominance in the women’s category while boosting the competitiveness of the male team on the continental level.
The event is expected to draw sports fans and stakeholders as the 30 teams compete for accolades and national recognition.
