African Youth Games: Nigeria Wins Gold in Beach Volleyball, Adds More Medals

African Youth Games: Nigeria Wins Gold in Beach Volleyball, Adds More Medals

By Niyi Busari 

Team Nigeria continued its impressive run at the ongoing 4th African Youth Games (AYG) on Sunday, recording another productive day across multiple sports and underlining the country’s growing strength at youth level competition, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria claimed gold in Beach Volleyball after a commanding 2–0 victory over Egypt in the final. The Nigerian pair dominated the contest, winning 21–15, 21–17, in a performance that highlighted their technical quality, tactical discipline and preparation.

The nation’s badminton team also delivered a strong showing, finishing the competition with six medals overall. Nigeria secured one gold medal in the Mixed Doubles event, alongside two silver and three bronze medals, further boosting the country’s overall tally.

In golf, Josephine Clement Benjamin added to Nigeria’s medal count by winning bronze at the conclusion of the golf events on Sunday, continuing the steady flow of podium finishes for Team Nigeria.

Table Tennis provided further excitement as Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals of the Mixed Team event following a hard-fought victory over Tunisia. The tense encounter, decided moments before the close of play, sets up a semi-final clash against Algeria, with another medal opportunity firmly in sight.

Nigeria’s strong performances at the Games have been widely viewed as a reflection of renewed strategic focus within the country’s sports administration. The National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, has prioritised youth development and grassroots investment, with early results now evident on the continental stage.

In 2025, Nigeria has participated in a series of key youth-focused competitions, including the inaugural African School Games, the African Youth Chess Championship, the African Youth Swimming Championship, and the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championship, which Nigeria hosted. Young athletes have also gained valuable exposure through the National Sports Festival, including the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative.

These competitions have helped establish a structured pathway for identifying, nurturing and transitioning young talents into elite sport.

The achievements at the 4th African Youth Games extend beyond medal counts, serving as indicators of Nigeria’s long-term sporting ambitions. With major events such as the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympic Games approaching, the country’s investment in youth sport is beginning to translate into measurable success.

As the Games continue, Team Nigeria’s performances suggest a promising future built on deliberate planning, strategic development and inclusive participation.