- By Maxwell Kumoye
The race for qualification to the 2026 African Nations Cup gets underway on Tuesday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as six men’s and five women’s teams battle for honours in the CAVB Zone 3 Qualifiers.
Nigeria’s men’s national volleyball team will be among the major attractions on the opening day, taking on their neighbours Niger Republic in a crucial fixture scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
A positive start will be vital for the Nigerians as they seek to secure a place at the continental championship.
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The day’s action begins with Burkina Faso facing Benin at 1:00 p.m. before Nigeria squares off against Niger Republic.
Hosts Ivory Coast will then entertain Togo in the final men’s match of the day at 5:00 p.m., with home supporters expected to turn out in large numbers.
In the women’s competition, hosts Ivory Coast will launch their campaign against Togo at 7:00 p.m., while Benin and Burkina Faso conclude the opening day’s programme in a 9:00 p.m. encounter.
The Zone 3 qualifiers are expected to showcase some of West Africa’s finest volleyball talents, with every team aiming to make a strong statement from the opening day as the battle for qualification intensifies in Abidjan.
