BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Kaduna will from Friday become the centre of beach volleyball action as no fewer than 30 teams converge on the state for the 6th edition of the President Beach Volleyball Tournament.
The competition, which runs until February 17, is expected to draw senior and junior players in the male and female categories from volleyball-playing states across the country, in what organisers describe as a crucial selection ground ahead of upcoming continental championships.
Addressing journalists in Kaduna, chairman of the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, DCP Stephen Hasso (rtd), said the large turnout reflects the steady growth of the sport and the tournament’s increasing relevance on the national calendar.
According to him, this year’s edition carries added significance as it will serve as part of the selection process for players expected to represent Nigeria at the Beach Volleyball Championship slated for mid-year.
“We are expecting 30 teams to compete in this tournament. It is different from previous editions because we are bringing together both senior and junior players, male and female, from different states. The aim is to test their skills and ensure that those who will represent Nigeria are adequately prepared,” Hasso said.
He explained that beyond competition for honours, the event would provide technical officials the opportunity to assess athletes who have demonstrated consistency and promise in recent tournaments.
Technical Representative of the championship, Surveyor Timothy Samuel, also underscored the importance of the Kaduna showdown, particularly in consolidating Nigeria’s continental standing.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s female beach volleyball team currently ranks first in Africa, while the male team occupies the ninth position.
“Our female team has been stable and they are ranked first in Africa. The male team is ninth, and we are working hard to improve our ranking. This tournament is part of our efforts to identify quality players ahead of the June and July championship,” Samuel said.
Stakeholders believe the competition will not only sharpen the readiness of elite players but also provide younger talents a pathway into the national fold.
With national pride and selection tickets at stake, the Kaduna tournament is expected to deliver intense contests as teams battle for honours and a chance to wear the country’s colours on the international stage.
