Nigeria has been awarded the right to stage the 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship, with Lagos set to act as the host city, ANOCA has announced.
Quick facts
- Nigeria secured hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Beach Volleyball Championship.
- Lagos is confirmed as the championship’s host city.
- ANOCA says the decision reflects a strengthening partnership with Nigeria.
- The announcement was made in Abuja by ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf.
- Nigeria has also recently won hosting rights for the 2027 second edition of the African School Games.
- Nigeria’s track record cited includes major athletics events in Abeokuta arranged on short notice.
- ANOCA and the African Union are in advanced talks about Olympic qualification events for the 2030 Games.
ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf delivered the news in Abuja, calling the appointment the newest milestone in a closer collaboration between the continental organisation and Nigeria. He noted the award comes after Nigeria secured the opportunity to host the second edition of the African School Games in 2027 as well.
Berraf pointed to reforms led within Nigeria’s sports system as a key factor behind the country’s growing profile. In particular, he credited National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for helping position Nigeria among what he described as Africa’s leading sporting nations.
“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,” Berraf said.
To underline Nigeria’s ability to deliver major events, Berraf highlighted the staging of the CAA Africa U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships in Abeokuta. He said the meet was organised on short notice within a three-month window, presenting a clear example of the country’s readiness.
Sports economy and preparation
NSC Chairman Dikko said the beach volleyball hosting assignment fits with the Commission’s broader sports development plan. He argued that Nigeria is focused on expanding the sports economy, and that bringing more international competitions to the country is one of the most direct routes to that goal.
NSC Director General Olopade linked the recent organisation successes to strong government support under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said that backing has helped Nigeria move quickly and effectively on event delivery.
Beyond 2027, talks are also progressing toward Nigeria hosting Africa’s Olympic qualification events for the 2030 Games. ANOCA and the African Union are exploring frameworks designed to limit how often African athletes must travel outside the continent in order to qualify.
