After two weeks of intensive camping, Nigeria's national beach volleyball teams say they are ready to battle for qualification to the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup as the country prepares to host the Zone 3 qualifying tournament in Badagry, Lagos State.
The teams have been undergoing rigorous training in Kaduna, where coaches have focused on improving the players' physical fitness, technical skills, tactical awareness and team coordination ahead of the championship scheduled for July 3 to 7.
National Beach Volleyball Coach, Kayode Ajilore, said the athletes have shown remarkable commitment throughout the camping exercise and are in top condition for the competition.
According to him, 16 players—eight men and eight women—are currently in camp, while the final squad will be trimmed to four male and four female athletes who will represent Nigeria at the qualifier.
"The players are competition-ready. Physically, tactically and technically, they are well prepared. We are confident they will make Nigeria proud," Ajilore said.
He praised the leadership of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation under its President, Engr. Musa Nimrod, for providing the necessary support and ensuring the welfare of the athletes throughout the camping period.
Nigeria will compete against Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Gabon and other countries in the Zone 3 championship, with qualification places for the African Beach Volleyball Nations Cup at stake.
Also speaking, Assistant Coach of the women's team, Felicia Amos, described the players as disciplined, focused and determined, saying the camping exercise has adequately prepared them for the task ahead.
Men's team coach, John Iwerima, said the two-week programme has strengthened team chemistry and improved the players' overall performance, adding that the conducive training environment has enabled the athletes to concentrate fully on preparations.
"Our target is clear—to qualify for the African Nations Cup. The players have worked hard and are determined to achieve that objective," Iwerima stated.
One of the players, Peter Ibrahim, commended the quality of training and welfare provided by the federation, assuring Nigerians that the team would give its best to secure qualification and make the country proud.This version opens with the completion of the two-week training camp, making it a stronger, newsier lead while keeping the focus on Nigeria's readiness for the qualifier.