Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), has commended Nigeria’s beach volleyball players for making the country proud after winning gold on Sunday at the ongoing African Youth Games (AYG) in Angola.
Nimrod, who also serves as President of the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Beach Volleyball Commission, described the victory as significant compensation for Nigeria’s absence from two previous World Championships held in Qatar and Australia.
He said Nigeria was rapidly emerging as a continental powerhouse in beach volleyball, citing the consistent and impressive performances of the women’s team.
“Team Nigeria clinched the gold medal after defeating Egypt 2–0 (21–17, 21–15) in the women’s beach volleyball final at the ongoing Games.
“Nigeria is fast becoming the home of beach volleyball in Africa.
“The performances of our women continue to prove that we are on the right path,” he said.
Nimrod said that the long-term goal of the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission would be to secure qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
He said that the country narrowly missed out after finishing second in the last two Olympic qualification campaigns.
“I want to congratulate the players for making the country proud at the African Youth Games in Angola.
“Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrence have written Nigeria’s name in gold.
“The duo missed two World Championships, but this medal means a lot to the Federation and the country. I also want to commend coach John Iwerima for his proper guidance.
”I commend the National Sports Commission for ensuring Nigeria’s participation in beach volleyball at the Games, and the support is vital to the sport’s success,” he said.
He expressed optimism that beach volleyball would continue to win medals for Nigeria at both continental and intercontinental competitions.
The 4th African Youth Games which began on Dec. 10 will end on Dec. 20.
The Games recorded a historic milestone as Angola became the first Lusophone country to host the Games.
Nigeria’s contingent to the Games comprised 86 athletes competing in 12 sports, including athletics, badminton, boxing, beach volleyball, cycling, judo.
Others are Golf, Swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and weightlifting.
Competitions are being staged across six host cities, including Luanda, Benguela, and Bengo, bringing together young athletes aged 14 to 17 from up to 54 African countries.
