African Beach Volleyball Championships Yield Olympic Qualifications
Just a week after the European champions, the African champions in beach volleyball have also secured their Olympic quota for the upcoming LA28 Games. The continental event, held in Alexandria, Egypt, resulted in both a men's and a women's team earning a spot for their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) for the upcoming Olympics on Sunday, August 23.
The Moroccan men's team triumphed, claiming a place at the Alamitos Beach Stadium in two years. The duo of Zouheir Elgraoui and Soufiane El Gharouti dominated the competition, winning all seven of their matches without dropping a single set. In the finals, the Moroccan pair decisively defeated the Algerian team of Kallouche Mohamed-Islem and Ayyoub Dekkiche in two straight sets (21-19, 21-12). This victory marks the fifth consecutive title for a Moroccan pair at the African Men's Beach Volleyball Championships.
Nigeria Makes History in Women’s Tournament
In the women’s tournament, Nigeria clinched the gold medal, securing an Olympic quota for LA28, thanks to the victory of the pair Esther Onyinye Mbah and Pamela Miyoum Bawa. They overcame the Moroccan duo of Alexandra Erhart and Nora Nezha Jihane Darrhar in the final match with scores of 21-18 and 21-11.
This achievement marks the first time Nigeria has qualified for the Olympics in beach volleyball, while Morocco has previously participated in the Olympic beach volleyball tournament at Tokyo 2020 and is expected to compete again in Paris 2024. Notably, Zouheir Elgraoui teamed up with Mohammed Abicha during the Tokyo Games.
As quotas continue to be allocated until November 15, 2026, through various continental events, the Olympic rankings, the 2027 World Championships, and the Olympic Qualification Series will provide further opportunities for NOCs to secure places for the LA28 Games in beach volleyball.
As reported by olympics.com.
