Naira Rain As Kano Pillars, Kada Emeralds Claim Top Honours At 2026 President Beach Volleyball Cup

Naira Rain As Kano Pillars, Kada Emeralds Claim Top Honours At 2026 President Beach Volleyball Cup

By Niyi Busari 

Kano Pillars and Kada Emeralds have emerged champions in the senior men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 2026 President Beach Volleyball Tournament held at the Murtala Mohammed Square Beach Courts in Kaduna, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The women’s final delivered a gripping contest as Kada Emeralds edged Team Anista 2–1 to secure the title. Both sides displayed tactical discipline and resilience, with Emeralds sealing victory in the decisive third set after an evenly matched encounter.

In the men’s final, Kano Pillars produced a commanding performance to defeat Savannah Spikers in straight sets. Pillars claimed the opening set 21–18 before dominating the second 21–13 to wrap up a 2–0 victory and lift the trophy.

Road to the Finals

The semi-final matches were fiercely contested across both categories.

In the women’s event, Team Anista overcame Katsina 2–1 in a thrilling three-set battle. Anista narrowly won the first set 23–21, Katsina responded with a 22–20 second-set victory, but Anista sealed qualification with a convincing 15–6 win in the decider.

Kada Emeralds advanced to the final with a comprehensive 2–0 win over Adamawa Spikers, taking the sets 21–17 and 21–12.

In the men’s semi-finals, Kano Pillars I defeated Akapson VC 2–1. After cruising to a 21–6 win in the first set, Pillars dropped the second 16–21 but rebounded strongly to take the deciding set 15–4. Savannah Spikers also progressed with a 2–1 victory over Dynamite VC, winning 21–19, losing 18–21, and sealing the tie 15–6 in the third set.

Federation Plans Reform and International Push

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engr. Musa Nimrod, expressed satisfaction with the standard of competition and reiterated the federation’s commitment to repositioning beach volleyball in the country.

He announced that the practice of clubs sharing players within states would no longer be permitted, stressing that proper player screening would commence to ensure professionalism and order. He urged stakeholders to embrace the reforms and encourage improved organisation and discipline among coaches and teams.

Nimrod further disclosed that the national team will soon commence camping in Kaduna ahead of international engagements, with Nigeria targeting qualification for major global competitions. He emphasised the need for sustained growth to maintain competitiveness within Africa.

The federation president also called for the construction of a standard volleyball pitch at Murtala Mohammed Square to complement existing facilities and expand sporting opportunities beyond football.

Government and Stakeholder Support

Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports, Professor Benjamin, commended the organisers for delivering a successful tournament. He noted that such private initiatives play a critical role in engaging youths positively and steering them away from social vices.

He thanked the state governor for providing an enabling environment and pledged continued support for volleyball development, adding that Kaduna remains ready to host future national competitions.

Chairperson of the PAC Volleyball North Central Zonal Representative of the Board, Bolcit Barshep Amakiri, described volleyball as more than a sport, but a unifying platform for administrators and athletes. She announced that the zone will host its maiden PAC North Central Championship in Jos between May and June, noting the steady progression of junior players into the senior ranks.

U-17 Category Results

In the U-17 girls’ final, Diamond Spikers defeated Kogi Spikers 2–0, winning 23–21 and 21–12. Team KADA claimed the boys’ U-17 title with a 2–1 victory over Philric.

Prize money was distributed across categories. In the U-17 girls’ event, Anista finished third to earn ₦150,000, Kogi Spikers received ₦250,000 as runners-up, while Diamond Spikers claimed ₦350,000 as champions.

In the boys’ U-17 category, Jikwoyi Braves earned ₦150,000 for third place, Philric received ₦250,000 for second position, and Team KADA took home ₦350,000 as champions.

For the senior women’s category, Adamawa Spikers secured third place with ₦250,000, Team Anista received ₦350,000 as runners-up, while Kada Emeralds collected the star prize as champions.

In the senior men’s event, Akapson earned ₦250,000 for third position, Savannah Spikers received ₦350,000 as runners-up, and Kano Pillars claimed the top prize.

Champions React

Kada Emeralds’ Joy Lawrence and Pamela Bawa expressed delight at their victory, stating that the team maintained belief from the outset of the tournament. They called for more competitions nationwide to enhance exposure and competitiveness, adding that they aspire to represent Nigeria on the international stage.

Kano Pillars’ Augustine Uchenna described his team’s triumph as a reward for consistent training and strong teamwork. While acknowledging the quality of competition, he attributed their success to discipline and consistency.

The 2026 President Beach Volleyball Tournament concluded on an optimistic note, with stakeholders expressing confidence in the continued growth and future prospects of beach volleyball in Nigeria.