Sports
Continental Beach Volleyball Action Heats Up at Jabi Lake with 15 Countries in Attendance
By Joel Ajayi
Jabi Lake in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, is buzzing with excitement as it plays host to the 2025 U18 African Beach Volleyball Championship, under the auspices of the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB).
The scenic lakeside venue has been transformed with purpose-built, world-class artificial courts, setting a vibrant and professional stage for the tournament. Nigeria is proudly welcoming athletes from 15 African nations, including Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, and others, for this prestigious youth competition.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s kickoff in Abuja, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation Engr Musa Nimrod, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to deliver a top-tier event and reaffirmed the country’s ambition to dominate the sport at the youth level.
“Nigeria is ready to showcase excellence—both in hosting and performance. We aim to maintain our dominance in youth beach volleyball across the continent,” Nimrod said.
He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the vision of CAVB President Madam Bouchra Hajij, noting that the country’s hosting of the event reflects its dedication to advancing beach volleyball in Africa.
“So far, so good. I feel very honoured that Nigeria was given the hosting rights. It’s a great challenge, but we are fully prepared.”
“We currently have 15 countries participating. The artificial courts are ready, the sand is high quality, and the facilities look fantastic. Our preparations have been commendable.
“Security and medical arrangements are firmly in place, according to Nimrod, with the National Sports Commission’s medical team on standby and all health protocols including COVID-19 safety measures being observed.
He also acknowledged the support of stakeholders and partners such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Control Committee, comprising volleyball federation presidents from across Africa.
“Let’s be clear this is beach volleyball, not indoor volleyball. Southern African countries like South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana are very strong in this category. They gave us tough battles during the last championship in Morocco.
“West African countries like Benin Republic, Togo, Senegal, and Ghana also have solid teams. In indoor volleyball, it’s North Africa especially Egypt that dominates. Egypt has blocked our path to the Olympics in the past.”
However, Nimrod believes the tides are turning. He praised Nigeria’s young athletes especially the duo of Esther and Pamela for their recent victories over top teams like Egypt.
“Our girls defeated Egypt, and even though Morocco celebrated after beating us in the semi-finals last time, we’re now fielding even younger players who are performing remarkably well,” he added.
Nimrod noted that Nigeria’s calendar is packed with international engagements. After this championship, Nigerian teams will travel to Burundi for the Beach Volleyball World Tour (Class I), followed by tournaments in Rwanda and The Gambia.
He also highlighted the importance of the sport in the build-up to the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, where beach volleyball is the only volleyball category represented.
“Our players will be fully engaged until September 9th. And let’s not forget—Nigeria recently qualified for the Beach Volleyball World Championship in Australia. Even the Australian Embassy in Nigeria reached out in surprise and support,” he revealed.
“They’ve met with us, and the Australian Ambassador has scheduled a meeting with our players. Two of our girls will be heading to Australia, and we’re proud of that.”
He concluded by appreciating the support of all contributors to Nigeria’s volleyball success, including the federation’s Grand Patron.
“We’re making waves, and I deeply appreciate the incredible work being done by my mother, our Grand Patron. Her support has been immense.”
With high expectations and rising momentum, the 2025 U18 African Beach Volleyball Championship promises not just fierce competition, but a showcase of emerging talent and Africa’s growing prominence in global beach volleyball.
Sports
Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025
Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.
From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.
Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.
They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.
Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.
The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.
With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.
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