BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Kano Pillars and Kada Emeralds were crowned champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 2026 President Beach Volleyball Cup, bringing a thrilling tournament at the Murtala Mohammed Square Beach Courts to a fitting close.
The competition, which attracted top clubs from across the country, delivered high-intensity matches defined by tactical discipline, resilience and dramatic comebacks across senior and junior categories.
Kada Emeralds secured the women’s title after edging Team Anista 2-1 in a pulsating final. Both sides shared the opening two sets in a tightly balanced encounter before Emeralds held their nerve to clinch the decisive set and lift the trophy.
Emeralds had earlier booked their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 semi-final victory over Adamawa Spikers, winning 21-17 and 21-12 in straight sets.
Team Anista reached the final after a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Katsina in the semi-finals. They claimed the first set 23-21, dropped the second 20-22, but rallied strongly to dominate the deciding set 15-6.
In the men’s category, Kano Pillars proved superior in the final, overpowering Savannah Spikers 2-0. Pillars took the first set 21-18 before cruising through the second 21-13 to seal a comfortable victory and claim the top prize.
The Kano-based side had earlier survived a tense semi-final clash against Akapson VC, winning 2-1. After a dominant 21-6 first set, Pillars conceded the second 16-21 but responded emphatically with a 15-4 win in the deciding set.
Savannah Spikers also battled their way to the final with a 2-1 victory over Dynamite VC in a closely contested encounter that ended 21-19, 18-21 and 15-6.
In the U-17 categories, Diamond Spikers defeated Kogi Spikers 2-0 to win the girls’ title, while Team Kada edged Philric 2-1 to emerge champions in the boys’ final.
Winners and runners-up across categories received cash prizes, as stakeholders expressed optimism about the continued growth of beach volleyball in the country.
Speaking after the tournament, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engr. Musa Nimrod, expressed satisfaction with the standard of play and reiterated plans to reposition beach volleyball in Nigeria.
He announced that the practice of clubs sharing players within states would no longer be tolerated, stressing that proper screening mechanisms would be introduced to ensure professionalism and order.
Nimrod also disclosed that the national team would soon commence camping in Kaduna ahead of forthcoming international engagements, noting that Nigeria is determined to secure qualification tickets and remain competitive on the African stage.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Gugong commended the organisers, describing the tournament as a platform that positively engages youths and steers them away from social vices.
He assured that the state government remains committed to supporting volleyball development and hosting more national competitions.
