By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s men’s volleyball team has secured qualification for the 2026 African Nations Cup after extending their unbeaten run to four matches with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benin Republic at the ongoing Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The win confirms Nigeria’s place at the continental championship, scheduled to hold in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from September 7 to 21.
After dropping the opening set 25-21 in a fiercely contested encounter that featured controversial officiating, the Nigerian side responded with determination to claim the second set by the same scoreline.
The match also witnessed a tense moment when Nigeria’s head coach was shown a yellow card following a heated exchange with match officials.
The Nigerians took complete control thereafter, dominating the final two sets 25-15 and 25-20 to complete an impressive comeback and hand Benin Republic their first defeat of the tournament.
The victory extends Nigeria’s perfect run in the qualifiers, having previously defeated Niger Republic (3-1), hosts Côte d’Ivoire (3-0) and Togo (3-1).
The result also confirms Nigeria and Ghana as the two teams from Zone 3 that will represent the region at the African Nations Cup in DR Congo.
Reacting to the achievement, Chairman Africa Beach Volleyball Commission and President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, praised the media for its consistent support in promoting volleyball across the country.
“On behalf of the Board of Administration of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, I sincerely thank you all for your unwavering support and the excellent coverage you have given our activities.
Your commitment to promoting volleyball in Nigeria has helped project the Federation in a positive light, and we truly appreciate it,” Nimrod said
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The NVBF president also disclosed that preparations have begun for Nigeria’s Under-19 boys’ national team ahead of their upcoming continental competition in Egypt.
“We are delighted with the steady growth of volleyball in Nigeria. Our qualification for the Nations Cup in Congo and the qualification of our women’s team for Kenya are clear signs that the sport is moving in the right direction.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us grow the game,” he added.
Nigeria will round off their Zone 3 qualifying campaign on Saturday with a final group match against Burkina Faso.
