The stage is set for the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, with Africa’s finest duos – including Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique, Togo, Benin, and Morocco – learning their group-stage opponents for the highly anticipated global competition taking place in Adelaide, Australia, between November 14 and 23.
The draw, held yesterday, brought together 48 men’s and 48 women’s teams, marking the largest-ever edition of the tournament and the first to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere. Each gender’s competition features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and four best third-placed duos advancing directly to the round of 32. The remaining third-placed pairs will contest a ‘lucky losers’ round for the last qualification spots – ensuring ten days of thrilling action across 216 matches.
Nigeria’s women’s pair, Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa have been drawn into a tough Pool C, where they will battle some of the sport’s elite – Nuss/Brasher (USA), Van Driel/Bekhuis (Netherlands), and Vitoria/Hegele (Germany).
The Nigerians face a stern test against the Americans’ trademark power play and the disciplined European sides. However, their recent progress on the African circuit, coupled with growing confidence and experience, gives them a fighting chance to make an impression on the world stage.
Egypt, the most represented African nation with two women’s teams, face a tough draw.
Marwa/Nada (Group B) will take on Carol/Rebecca (Brazil), Davidova/Khmil (Ukraine), and Konnik/Poiesz (Netherlands).
Mahassine/Dina (Group J) are up against Melissa/Brandie (Canada), Vieira/Chamereau (France), and Stam/Schoon (Netherlands).
Mozambique’s duo Vanessa/Mucheza in Group D will clash with Cannon/Kraft (USA), Ittlinger/Grne (Germany), and Placette/Richard (France) in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most challenging pools. Their qualification alone marks a milestone for women’s beach volleyball in Southern Africa.
In the men’s category, three African nations – Togo, Benin, and Morocco – will take on the world’s elite.
Togo’s Kotoka/Samani (Group H) face Perusic/Schweiner (Czech Republic), Plavins/Fokerots (Latvia), and Partain/Benesh (USA) – a baptism of fire for the Togolese, who are making their first-ever World Championship appearance.
Benin’s Yacoubou/Tohouenon (Group F) square off against Diaz/Alayo (Cuba), Pedrosa/Campos (Portugal), and Fuller/O’Dea (Australia) – a balanced group where teamwork could be Benin’s strongest asset.
Morocco’s Ilyas/El Gharouti (Group L) meet Nicolaidis/Carracher (Australia), Bassereau/Aye (France), and Grimalt/Grimalt (Chile) – a pool featuring regional favorites and experienced international campaigners.
Africa’s six-nation representation underlines the continent’s steady growth in beach volleyball, fuelled by increased zonal tournaments, training programs, and grassroots initiatives championed by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB).
While the traditional powerhouses from Brazil, the United States, and Germany remain the favourites, Africa’s duos are eager to show that the gap is narrowing. The World Championship offers them not only exposure but also invaluable experience ahead of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.
As the countdown to November 14 begins, Adelaide is set to host a festival of sand, sun, and spikes – and Africa’s teams, led by Nigeria, will be out to prove that their place among the world’s elite is no accident.