The African U-18 Beach Volleyball Championship kicked off in style this weekend on the shores of Lake Jabi in Abuja, with impressive early victories for the Nigerian, Congolese, and Egyptian teams.
In the women’s competition at the African U-18 Beach Volleyball Championship in Abuja, Nigeria made an impressive start with the duo of Faustina Blessing and Anebi Blessing, who dominated Egypt’s Mahmoud Malak and Nouraldin Zaina in two straight sets (21-15, 21-14). The Nigerians, supported by their home crowd, displayed consistent technical and tactical mastery, sending a strong signal to the competition. In another women’s match, the DRC also won against Senegal (21-12, 21-13), thanks to a solid performance by Moseka Ekete and Mayala Matatanu.
In the boys’ competition, Egypt got off to a strong start. Zyad Hindak and Amir Zyada defeated the Beninese pair Adelp/Kabirou in two sets (21-15, 21-15), controlling the match from start to finish.
Organized by the CAVB, this championship brings together 16 nations in each category.
In the boys’ competition, 16 teams divided into four groups were lined up according to a snake draft based on the 2024 U-19 rankings. Group A includes Nigeria 1, Benin, Egypt 1, and Burkina Faso, while Group B promises a West African showdown between Ghana, Gambia, Senegal, and Nigeria 3.
Group C features the DRC, Morocco 2, Burundi 1, and Nigeria 2. Finally, Group D includes Morocco 1, Ivory Coast, Burundi 2, and Egypt 2.
In the women’s competition, the contest promises to be just as fierce. Group A includes Nigeria 1, Burundi 2, Algeria, and Ivory Coast. In Group B, Morocco 1 will face Burundi 1, Benin, and Nigeria 2.
Group C will see Gambia, Egypt 1, Nigeria 3, and Zambia face off. As for Group D, it will see Morocco 2, DR Congo, Senegal, and Egypt 2 compete.
