Sports

Customs Comptroller General, Volleyball Federation Welcomes the Greatest Assembly of Volleyball in Africa To Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

April 2, 2025

…As Nigeria Customs Faces Mayo in Opening Game

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, played host on Wednesday to the 16th African Women’s Club Championship, a prestigious gathering was described as the greatest assembly of volleyball in Africa.

The much-anticipated 12-day tournament, the 2025 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship (AWVCC25), will take place from April 1st to April 14th at the multipurpose sports hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory. Sixteen clubs from across the continent will compete for top honors in this highly esteemed championship.

The opening ceremony will be graced by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who serves as the Grand Patron of the championship.

Dignitaries and sports enthusiasts from across Africa will be present at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, to officially declare the tournament open.

Excitement is building in Abuja as final preparations are being made. A technical meeting was held on Wednesday night, where organizers reaffirmed their commitment to hosting a successful tournament.

Speaking at the technical meeting, the host, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, described the event as the Greatest Assembly of Volleyball in Africa.

He assured all participating clubs of a memorable experience both during and after the tournament.
“It is our pleasure to welcome the greatest assembly of volleyball in Africa to Abuja, Nigeria. We are truly delighted to have you here,” he said.

“When you watch a volleyball game, you see 12 players on the court, maybe two or three officials. But behind the scenes, the value chain extends much further the umpires, referees, scorers, statisticians, and everyone involved in making the tournament a success. We are honored to host you all.”

Adeniyi also highlighted his personal experience with previous volleyball competitions, adding, “I have been involved in a few of these tournaments before, but in different capacities. This is the first time we are playing the role of host, and we are committed to making your stay in Nigeria enjoyable.”

In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engr. Musa Nimrod, extended a warm welcome to all participating clubs.

He expressed gratitude to the teams for choosing Nigeria as their host country, marking a historic first for the nation.

Reflecting on the journey of Nigerian volleyball, Nimrod stated, “What started as a mere dream has now become a reality. Volleyball in Nigeria is competing with football in popularity.”

He also assured participants that Abuja is a peaceful and secure city with excellent healthcare services available.

“We wish all the teams the best of luck during their stay in Abuja,” he concluded.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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