Olopade, Gumel hail Nigeria's historic beach volleyball Olympic qualification
Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, and President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, have congratulated Nigeria’s beach volleyball team following the country’s historic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Nigeria secured its first-ever Olympic berth in beach volleyball after Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa defeated Morocco 2-0 (21-18, 21-10) in the women’s final of the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, on Saturday, August 22.
Olopade praised Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) President Engineer Musa Nimrod, the players and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for their contributions to the landmark achievement.
Gumel described the qualification as a significant milestone for Nigerian sports and applauded Mbah and Bawa for their determination, commitment and hard work.
“This is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Nigeria. Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa have written their names in the history of Nigerian sports, and we are extremely proud of their determination, commitment and hard work,” Gumel said.
The NOC president also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s support for sports development, noting that the qualification demonstrated the importance of investing in athletes and sporting programmes.
“This qualification is a testament to the support of our sports-loving President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are proud that this historic qualification is happening during his administration,” he said.
Gumel further acknowledged the contributions of the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly CGC Adewale Adeniyi, for supporting the athletes throughout their campaign.
“I want to appreciate the Chairman and DG of the National Sports Commission, as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for their support to these players, which made this achievement and qualification possible. This qualification will serve as a motivation for other sports federations,” he said.
He also praised Engineer Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, for his contribution to the growth of beach volleyball and the success of the Nigerian pair.
The victory in Alexandria has secured Nigeria’s place in the women’s beach volleyball competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking a historic first for the country in the discipline.
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