NVBF President Hails Standard Of 2026 Beach Volleyball Cup

Engr. Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), has expressed his satisfaction with the high standard of the recently concluded 2026 President Beach Volleyball Cup in Kaduna. He reiterated the federation’s commitment to repositioning beach volleyball within Nigeria.

Nimrod announced that the practice of clubs sharing players within states would no longer be permitted. He emphasised that robust screening mechanisms would be implemented to ensure professionalism and order in the sport.

Kano Pillars and Kada Emeralds were crowned champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, bringing a thrilling tournament at the Murtala Mohammed Square Beach Courts to a fitting close yesterday.

The NVBF President also disclosed that the national team would soon commence training in Kaduna in preparation for upcoming international fixtures. He highlighted Nigeria’s determination to secure qualification and maintain a competitive edge on the African stage.

Professor Benjamin Gugong, Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, commended the organisers, describing the tournament as a valuable platform for engaging young people and diverting them from social vices. He assured that the state government remains dedicated to supporting volleyball development and hosting more national competitions.

The competition, which attracted leading clubs from across the country, delivered high-intensity matches characterised by tactical discipline, resilience, and dramatic comebacks across both senior and junior categories.

In a pulsating women’s final, Kada Emeralds secured the title by narrowly defeating Team Anista 2-1. Both teams shared the opening two sets in a tightly balanced encounter before Emeralds held their nerve to clinch the decisive set and lift the trophy. Emeralds had previously booked their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 semi-final victory over Adamawa Spikers, winning 21-17 and 21-12 in straight sets. Team Anista reached the final after a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Katsina in the semi-finals, claiming the first set 23-21, dropping the second 20-22, but rallying strongly to dominate the deciding set 15-6.

In the men’s category, Kano Pillars proved superior in the final, overpowering Savannah Spikers 2-0.

Pillars took the first set 21-18 before cruising through the second 21-13 to seal a comfortable victory and claim the top prize. The Kano-based side had earlier survived a tense semi-final clash against Akapson VC, winning 2-1.

After a dominant 21-6 first set, Pillars conceded the second 16-21 but responded emphatically with a 15-4 win in the deciding set. Savannah Spikers also battled their way to the final with a 2-1 victory over Dynamite VC in a closely contested encounter that ended 21-19, 18-21, and 15-6.

In the U-17 categories, Diamond Spikers defeated Kogi Spikers 2-0 to win the girls’ title, while Team Kada edged Philric 2-1 to emerge champions in the boys’ final.

Winners and runners-up across all categories received cash prizes, as stakeholders expressed optimism about the continued growth of beach volleyball in the country.