The 2026 President Beach Volleyball Cup reached a thrilling climax on Tuesday at the Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna, as Kano Pillars and Team Anista solidified their status as national giants in the elite categories.
The tournament, which featured high-octane clashes across senior and youth divisions, concluded with a call for urgent infrastructure upgrades to support Nigeria’s growing dominance in African beach volleyball.
Match Highlights: Elite & Youth Categories
In the Senior Men’s final, Kano Pillars delivered a masterclass, defeating Savannah Spikers in straight sets (21-18, 21-13). Meanwhile, the Senior Women’s final was a marathon battle of nerves; Team Anista eventually overcame Kada Emeralds in a grueling three-set encounter (28-26, 13-21, 15-13).
The youth divisions also showcased the future of the sport:
* U17 Girls: Diamond Spikers defeated Kogi Spikers 2-0 (23-21, 21-12).
* U17 Boys: Kada Prince came from behind to beat Philric 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-13).
The President’s Appeal: A Call for Infrastructure
In his closing address, Engr. Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), praised the level of competition but turned his attention to the state of the facilities. He issued a direct appeal to the Kaduna State Government to rehabilitate the Beach Arena.
"I want to specifically appreciate the press for the great job you are doing. Nigeria is currently the champion in the U-19 and U-21 categories in Africa, and we are using this tour to prepare for the Continental Championship and Olympic Qualifiers," Nimrod stated.
"However, I must appeal to the Kaduna State Government to look into the rehabilitation of this Beach Arena. This is crucial because the National Beach Volleyball team will be camping here in Kaduna to prepare for our international engagements. We need our facilities to match our status as African champions to ensure our players are at their best."
Government Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The Honorable Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Gugong, stressed the role of sports in social engineering and youth development.
"This administration is committed to using sports as a tool for youth engagement and peacebuilding. We have seen the incredible talent on display here over the last few days. Hosting the President Beach Volleyball Cup is a significant milestone for us, proving that Kaduna remains a hub for sporting excellence. We will continue to provide the platform for our youth to excel and stay away from social vices."
