Nigeria has been confirmed as hosts of the 2021 Boys U19 African Nations Volleyball Championship, the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) announced on Tuesday.

The tournament is scheduled for 1-9 March, 2021 in Abuja and will serve as continental qualifiers to the 2021 FIVB World Championship for Youth Boys U19.

“Further to the communication between the CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij and Eng Habu Gumel, we have the pleasure to inform you that CAVB has entrusted the organization of the 2020 Boys U19 African Nations Volleyball Championship to Nigeria Volleyball Federation,” CAVB confirmed in a letter to the Nigeria Volleyball Federation.

“The championship will be used as the continental qualifier to the 2021 FIVB World Championship for Youth Boys U19 and is scheduled to be played from 1st to 9th March, 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria.

“The championship will be held in accordance with CAVB competition regulations. Extracts from the administrative and financial hosting conditions as provided in CAVB competition regulations, are herewith attached.”

The statement advised countries attending the championship to adopt the FIVB Return to Volleyball Guidelines alongside all the other protocols provided by Nigerian health authorities.

“In view of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact it has had in the organization of events of such magnitude, we will appreciate that you do adopt the “FIVB Return To Volleyball Guidelines” alongside all the other protocols provided by Nigerian health authorities in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the players and officials.”

Meanwhile, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo RDC, Egypt, Tunisia and Nigeria have confirmed their participation in the championship.