Nigeria, DR Congo begin CAVB Beach Volleyball Youth Cup on high

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo made impressive starts at the 2026 CAVB Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup in Saly, Senegal, winning their opening matches in the U-18 categories as Africa’s emerging beach volleyball talents began their quest for honours.
Nigeria was particularly dominant in the women’s U-18 competition, securing two emphatic straight-set victories on the opening day.
The Nigerian side began its campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over The Gambia, winning 21-9, 21-13, before producing an even more convincing display against Cape Verde, whom they defeated 21-7, 21-3.
The results placed Nigeria among the early teams to watch as the tournament continues.
Hosts Senegal also enjoyed a productive opening day, with several victories across the competition. Senegal B edged Egypt 2-1 in a closely fought encounter, winning 22-20, 21-17, 15-10, while Senegal also defeated Mozambique 2-1 after another tense three-set battle.
Egypt later bounced back against Senegal, recovering from a first-set loss to claim a 2-1 comeback victory, 14-21, 21-14, 15-9.
Tunisia also opened its campaign on a strong note, defeating Cape Verde 2-0 (21-14, 21-10).
In the men’s U-18 event, DR Congo emerged as one of the standout performers of Day 1, recording two straight-set victories.
They first defeated Morocco 2-0 (21-14, 21-19) before overcoming Ghana 2-0 (21-19, 21-15) to underline their early title ambitions.
Senegal continued its impressive showing on home soil, defeating Ghana 2-0 (21-18, 21-13), with Ghana conceding on medical grounds, before recording another 2-0 victory over Namibia (21-13, 21-14).
Senegal A also secured a notable win over South Africa, prevailing 2-0 (21-15, 22-20), while Sierra Leone recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa (21-14, 21-11).
The opening day provided an exciting showcase of the growing strength and depth of youth beach volleyball across Africa, with several matches producing thrilling rallies and closely contested sets.
With the home crowd providing strong support in Saly, the tournament has already produced an encouraging display of the continent’s next generation of beach volleyball stars.
Nigeria and DR Congo have made the strongest early statements, while Senegal’s impressive results have highlighted the advantage and strength of the host nation.
As the competition moves into Day 2, the battle for honours is expected to intensify, with teams looking to build on their opening-day performances and secure their places in the later stages of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup Saly 2026.