Nigeria enjoyed a strong start at the 2025 CAVB Zone 3 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship in Abidjan, securing three victories on Wednesday.
In the men’s category, the duo of Ibrahim Peter and Uchenna Austin defeated Benin Republic 2-0 (21-14, 21-16) in their opening match held at the Canal de Koumassi Remblais Hotel.
In the women’s category, Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa outclassed Ivory Coast III with a convincing 2-0 win (21-9, 21-8), while Nigeria’s Team B followed suit, defeating Ivory Coast I 2-0 (21-18, 21-12).
Head coach of Nigeria’s beach volleyball teams, Kayode Ajilore, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stressing the importance of asserting dominance in the region.
He noted that the women’s team is made up of young, promising athletes, three of whom featured at the last Africa U18 Championship held in Nigeria.
Ajilore said, “We are here to stamp our authority in the region and make a statement. The players have shown hunger and composure on the court, and we are optimistic about our chances moving forward.”
“Three out of the four players in the women’s team were part of the Africa U18 Championship last year. They’ve continued to grow, and their performance so far is encouraging,” he added.
Ajilore, who also coaches at the Nigeria Immigration Service, assured Nigerians that the teams are focused and ready to make the country proud.
He said: “We won’t disappoint. These players understand the task ahead and are fully committed to delivering for Nigeria.”
