Nigeria have qualified for the 2026 African Volleyball Nations Cup after rallying from a set down to defeat the Benin Republic 3-1 in the ongoing Zone 3 qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Nigerian team bounced back from losing the opening set to record a 21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-20 victory, earning a place at the continental championship scheduled to take place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from September 7 to 21.
Benin Republic claimed the first set 25-21 in a match marked by controversial officiating, but Nigeria responded strongly by taking the next three sets to complete an impressive comeback.
The victory preserved Nigeria’s unbeaten record at the qualifiers, making it four consecutive wins after earlier triumphs over Niger Republic, hosts Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. It also handed Benin their first loss of the tournament.
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Musa Nimrod, described the qualification as another milestone for volleyball in the country, noting that both the men’s and women’s national teams have now secured places at their respective continental championships.
Nimrod also disclosed that preparations are already underway for Nigeria’s Under-19 boys’ team ahead of their forthcoming competition in Egypt.
He further expressed appreciation to the media for its continued support and coverage, saying it has played a significant role in promoting volleyball and projecting the federation positively.
Nigeria are scheduled to round off their Zone 3 qualifying campaign with a match against Burkina Faso later on Friday.