Nigeria’s women’s beach volleyball team have secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Championship after edging Morocco 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal clash at Abu Heif Beach in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Nigerian pair started strongly, taking the opening set 21-17 before Morocco fought back in the second set, winning 21-15 to level the contest and force a decisive third set.
Nigeria held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the deciding set 15-11 to complete a 2-1 victory and book their place among the final four teams.
The Friday’s victory keeps Nigeria’s hopes of winning continental honours alive as the remaining quarterfinal matches determine the other semifinalists.
The championship is scheduled to continue until August 22 under the patronage of Alexandria Governor, Engineer Ayman Atiya, in coordination with the Egyptian Volleyball Federation.
Aida Ismail chairs the Supreme Organising Committee, while African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) President Bouchra Hajij has been following the competition from the courts, monitoring both the matches and organisational arrangements.
The championship carries additional significance as it doubles as a qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The winners of both the men’s and women’s competitions will earn direct qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games, increasing the stakes for the teams still competing in Alexandria.
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Nigeria’s victory over Morocco therefore represents an important step in the country’s quest not only for continental success but also for a place at the next Olympic Games.
With the semifinal stage now secured, Nigeria will be looking to maintain its momentum and push for a place in the championship final.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has unveiled its final 12-player squad for the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place in Kenya from August 23 to September 5.
Captain Ijeoma Ukpabi headlines the squad as Nigeria prepares to renew its challenge for continental honours against some of Africa’s leading women’s volleyball teams.
Ukpabi will be joined among the outside hitters by Maryam Ibrahim, Deborah Chukwu and Mmesoma Okekearu, while Deborah Sunday, Ganiyat Lateef and Aisha Bello have been selected as middle blockers.
Kelechi Ndukauba and Christiana Paul will provide options in the opposite hitter position, with Aisha Umaru and Enewa Odoh named as setters. Jummai Bitrus completes the playing squad as Nigeria’s libero.
The team will be coached by Elishama Elam, assisted by Olusegun Abinde, while Sunday Akapson will serve as setters trainer.
The Nigerian side will be hoping its blend of experienced players and emerging talents can produce a strong campaign in Kenya and put the country firmly in contention for the African title.
The Nations Championship will run from August 23 to September 5 and will bring together the continent’s leading women’s volleyball teams in a battle for supremacy.
