Nigeria Wins Hosting Rights for 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship

Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship as the National Sports Commission (NSC) continues its efforts to position the country as a leading destination for international sporting events.

The tournament will be staged in Lagos and represents another major partnership between Nigeria and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). It follows the country's recent acquisition of the hosting rights for the second edition of the African School Games, which is also scheduled to take place in Nigeria in 2027.

Announcing the development in Abuja, ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf commended Nigeria's commitment to sports development, describing the country as one of Africa's emerging leaders in hosting international sporting competitions.

Berraf attributed the progress to the reforms being implemented by the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade.

He praised the Federal Government for its renewed investment in sports and said Nigeria's proven ability to successfully organise major international events made it a deserving choice to host the continental championship.

Berraf recalled how Nigeria stepped in at short notice to host the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Africa U-18/U-20 Championships in Abeokuta, completing preparations for the event within three months.

According to him, the achievement demonstrated Nigeria's capacity and determination to develop sports across the continent.

Speaking on the latest hosting rights, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said bringing major international competitions to Nigeria aligns with the Commission's vision of strengthening the country's sports industry and expanding its sports economy.

He noted that attracting global sporting events would not only boost sports development but also create economic opportunities through tourism, investment and infrastructure growth.

Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, also credited the recent successes to the support of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a strong advocate for sports development.

Meanwhile, discussions are at an advanced stage for Nigeria to host Africa's Olympic qualification events for the 2030 Olympic Games.

ANOCA and the African Union are reportedly exploring plans to stage the qualifiers in Nigeria, a move aimed at reducing the financial burden on African countries that currently travel to Europe and other regions to qualify for the Olympic Games.