Volleyball: Nimrod hails Nigeria U18 Boys team after 2026 African Championship triumph

By: Sunny Canto

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod has praised the U18 Boys' team following their historic triumph at the 2026 African Nations U18 Boys Championship in Alexandria, Egypt.

Nigeria were crowned African champions after defeating hosts Egypt 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14) in a commanding performance in the final on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

The victory also secured Nigeria's qualification for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Boys' U19 World Championship, as the tournament served as the continental qualifying event.

Nimrod described the success as a validation of the NVBF's commitment to grassroots volleyball development.

He said the triumph complemented the grassroots programme initiated by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation in the last nine years. 

Nimrod also expressed confidence that the players' performances at the championship would attract interest from clubs across North Africa and beyond, creating opportunities for some of the young stars to begin professional careers.

He said: "This victory is a reflection of the hard work put into our grassroots development programme. It also provides a platform for these young players to secure opportunities with clubs in North Africa and even outside the continent," he said.

The NVBF president commended members of the federation's board and stakeholders for their unwavering support, describing their contributions as vital to the team's success.

He assured that the federation would not relent in its quest to develop volleyball in the country.

He added that attention would now shift to preparations for the 2026 African Nations Championship for both the men's and women's national teams.

Nimrod expressed optimism that the momentum generated by the U18 team's success would inspire greater achievements for Nigerian volleyball on the continental and global stage.