By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria have made history by qualifying for the beach volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games for the first time after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the women’s final of the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Nations Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, on Saturday.
The Nigerian duo produced a dominant performance at Abu Heif Beach, winning the first set 21-17 before sealing the historic victory with an emphatic 21-10 scoreline in the second set.
The triumph ends Nigeria’s long wait for Olympic qualification in beach volleyball and crowns a remarkable journey after three previous final appearances ended in silver medals.
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, hailed the breakthrough as a victory for the entire country, while reflecting on the federation’s years of near misses.
“I wish to congratulate Nigerians and thank God. This is the fourth time we are going into the finals; we finished in second place on three occasions,” Nimrod said.
“God has done it for us on our fourth trial and given us victory. It is not the Nigeria Volleyball Federation’s success alone but the entire nation.”
He added: “I want to say that after all these 16 years, today God has made it possible for the federation.”
Nigeria’s historic qualification comes after the team had earlier defeated Mozambique 2-0 in the semifinal, winning both sets 21-17 to book their place in the decisive encounter with Morocco.
The breakthrough represents a major milestone for Nigerian volleyball and provides another significant achievement for the country’s Olympic sporting ambitions.
The Secretary General of CAVB Zone 3 also commended the National Sports Commission and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, for their consistent support towards the development of volleyball in the country.
Nigeria’s victory in Alexandria now secures a place in Olympic beach volleyball competition for Los Angeles 2028, marking the first time the nation will compete in the event at the Games.
