Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship, the National Sports Commission announced on Thursday. The commission confirmed the development in a statement.

The announcement was made in Abuja by the president of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, Mustapha Berraf.

Berraf said ANOCA was impressed by recent developments in Nigerian sports, prompting its decision to award Nigeria the 2027 championship hosting rights.

“I want to thank the federal government of Nigeria for what it has been doing in sports in recent times. That is why we wasted no time in awarding Nigeria the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship,” he said.

Mr Berraf praised Nigeria’s proven ability to successfully organise major international sporting events despite challenging circumstances. He stated that former Confederation of African Athletics President, Kalkaba Malboum, admired Nigeria’s rapid preparations for the Africa U-18/U-20 Championships in Abeokuta.

According to Mr Berraf, Nigeria accepted hosting responsibilities at short notice and delivered the continental championships after only three months of preparation.

“This can only be achieved by a country that is intentional and deliberate about its sports development drive,” Berraf said.

NSC chairman Shehu Dikko described the successful bid as another milestone in implementing the Commission’s sports development strategy. He said securing international competitions aligned with the commission’s mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s sporting profile and expand opportunities across the sector.

Mr Dikko said, “We are serious about boosting the country’s sports economy. One way to achieve this is by attracting more international sporting events to Nigeria.”

The 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship will be staged in Lagos, further strengthening Nigeria’s growing reputation as a destination for major continental sporting competitions.

The championship follows Nigeria’s recent success in securing the hosting rights for the 2027 Africa School Games, reinforcing its expanding international sporting calendar.

(NAN)