Sports

Continental Beach Volleyball Action Heats Up at Jabi Lake with 15 Countries in Attendance

Published

1 year ago

August 1, 2025

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.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

20 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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