By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria and 13 other African nations have arrived in Alexandria, Egypt, ahead of the 2026 African U-18 and U-19 Volleyball Championship, which serves off on Wednesday at the Pioneers Club.
The continental tournament, which runs until July 30, will showcase some of Africa’s brightest young volleyball talents, with hosts Egypt joined by Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Burundi and other participating nations.
President of the Local Organising Committee, Aida Ismail, confirmed that 14 national teams had already arrived in Alexandria, while the remaining delegations were expected before Tuesday’s official draw, which will determine the tournament fixtures.
Team Nigeria departed for Egypt on Sunday after completing a one-week intensive training camp at the High Performance Centre, with the squad aiming for a strong outing at the championship.
The competition will officially begin with a grand opening ceremony at the Pioneers Club, expected to attract top dignitaries, including Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Gohar Nabil, Alexandria Governor Ayman Attia, President of the African Volleyball Confederation, Bouchra Hajij, and other leading figures in African sport.
Ismail, who is also a Board Member of the African Volleyball Confederation and a member of the FIVB Development Commission, said extensive technical, logistical and organisational preparations had been made to ensure the tournament meets international standards.
She commended the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Alexandria Governorate for their support, describing the championship as a landmark event that reinforces Alexandria’s growing reputation as a capable host of major continental sporting competitions.
With all arrangements nearing completion, organisers are confident the championship will not only provide a platform for Africa’s next generation of volleyball stars but also strengthen Alexandria’s ambition to host more elite international events.
