Nigeria have been crowned champions of the 2026 African U18 Boys Volleyball Championship after defeating hosts Egypt in straight sets to clinch the continental title in Alexandria.
The Nigerian youngsters produced another outstanding performance in Wednesday’s final, defeating Egypt 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14) to complete an unbeaten campaign and lift the trophy at the 14th African U18 Boys and Girls Volleyball Championship.
Having already defeated the hosts during the group stage, Nigeria once again demonstrated their superiority with an impressive display of attacking efficiency, disciplined defence and solid blocking to secure Africa’s biggest age-grade volleyball prize.
The title capped a remarkable tournament for the West Africans, who dominated every stage of the competition.
Nigeria finished top of Group A with victories over Burundi, Morocco and Egypt before overcoming Libya in the quarter-finals and Cameroon in the semi-finals to book a place in the final.
Egypt, backed by home support throughout the tournament, settled for the silver medal after defeating Algeria in the quarter-finals and edging Tunisia in a thrilling five-set semi-final.
Cameroon claimed the bronze medal after defeating Tunisia in the third-place match, while Algeria finished fifth ahead of Morocco, Libya and Burundi.
Final Standings (Boys)
Nigeria
Egypt
Cameroon
Tunisia
Algeria
Morocco
Libya
Burundi
By winning the championship, Nigeria also secured qualification for the next FIVB U18 Boys World Championship, alongside runners-up Egypt and bronze medallists Cameroon.
In the girls’ category, Tunisia emerged African champions after defeating Egypt in the final, while Algeria claimed the bronze medal.
All three nations also booked their places at the FIVB U18 Girls World Championship.
The championship, hosted at the Pioneer Club in Alexandria from July 20 to 29, featured 14 teams from nine African countries and concluded with a colourful closing ceremony attended by officials of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB), the Egyptian Volleyball Federation, government representatives and other sports stakeholders.
Nigeria’s triumph further highlights the country’s rapid progress in youth volleyball and reinforces its growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging forces in the sport, while providing another major boost to the nation’s impressive performances on the international stage in 2026.
