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Kudos to Nigeria’s First Lady, Customs, Others – CAVB Officials

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2025

…Says Nigeria is safe for international tournaments

By Joel Ajayi
In defiance of longstanding international perceptions suggesting Nigeria is unsafe, the recently concluded African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja has rewritten the narrative. Officials from across the continent have hailed Nigeria as one of the safest places to host international tournaments.

The curtain has officially fallen on the competition, and once again, Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have made history—clinching their third consecutive title with a thrilling 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Al-Ahly. The final, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium’s Indoor Arena on Sunday, April 13, 2025, was an electrifying encounter with set scores of 29-27, 22-25, 25-20, and 25-22.

In interviews conducted in Abuja, officials from the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) expressed immense satisfaction with the event and extended heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Nigeria Customs Service; the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF); and all Nigerians whose efforts ensured the success of the tournament.

They praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s causes and for her role as the grand patron of the competition. Commendation also went to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and NVBF President, Musa Nimrod, for organizing what was widely described as a world-class event.

CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, who also serves as the first Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), was full of praise for the hosts. She lauded the organization and the facilities provided, particularly by the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that Nigeria—and Africa at large—is more than capable of hosting high-level international competitions.

“We had hundreds of countries from all continents following this event online. Nigeria has proven itself as a safe country, equipped with top-class infrastructure and facilities,” Hajij stated. “With 16 teams from across Africa, everything went smoothly. I hope in the coming years, Nigeria will host more African championships—whether indoor or beach volleyball.”

She also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the media for their vital roles in the success of the championship, emphasizing the importance of media coverage in growing the sport.

Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia Volleyball Federation and Deputy President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, also lauded the organizers. “With what we’ve seen from the NVBF and the Customs, this competition was held at the highest standard for women’s volleyball in Africa. The environment and organization were excellent,” he said. “Africa, especially black African countries, can now confidently compete at the global level.”

He called on the private sector to support volleyball in Nigeria and across Africa to ensure continued progress.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Volleyball Club Technical Director, Paul Bitok, revealed his club plans to host the competition in 2026 after drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s hosting. “This is the best tournament I’ve witnessed in over 20 years of attending. Customs have proven they can host major competitions beyond Africa,” Bitok said.

Medical delegate from Benin Republic, Boni Nadege, described the tournament as “a celebration of women,” thanking the First Lady and Nigeria Customs for a well-organized event. “This proves that black African countries can also host major competitions to promote volleyball. We may not have reached the finals, but we’ve learned a lot.”

A delegate from Malawi, Japier Mhango, expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian government and its people. “Our stay has been exceptional. We’ve been well taken care of, and this has been a well-organized tournament. The level of competition was impressive.”

As the final whistle sounded, Nigeria didn’t just host a volleyball championship—it hosted the continent, redefined perceptions, and reminded the world of its capability and hospitality.

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NSF: Oparaoji, Ekpeyong, Quadri Gear Up for Tough Quarterfinal Clashes in Abeokuta

Published

1 week ago

May 23, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The tennis courts at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta are buzzing with intensity as the competition hits the quarterfinal stage in both the men’s and women’s singles events, following a gripping round of 16.

Men’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Abubakar Yusuf of FCT will square off against Rivers State’s Abua Canice. Yusuf booked his spot with a 4-0, 4-2 win over Ehigiamusoe Endurance of Edo, while Canice cruised past Azi David 4-1, 4-0.

Bayelsa’s Uche Oparaoji faces Adeleye Daniel of Ekiti in a clash of skill and strategy. Oparaoji outclassed Urenyang Nuhu of Taraba 4-1, 4-2, just as Adeleye powered past Kaduna’s Ibrahim Sulaiman with the same scoreline.

In one of the most anticipated ties, Danjuma Lucky (FCT) will lock horns with Bayelsa’s top seed David Ekpeyong. Danjuma came through a thrilling contest against Ekiti’s Abamu Matthew, rallying to win 1-4, 4-2, 10-5, while Ekpeyong dominated Taraba’s Rubi Toba 4-0, 4-2.

Home favourite Christopher Bulus of Ogun will battle Edo’s Michael Chima for a semifinal ticket. Bulus swept past Rivers’ Timibra Godsgift 4-1, 4-0, while Chima triumphed over Delta’s Iloputa Ikechukwu in a straight-set win.

Women’s Singles Quarterfinals:

Delta’s Barakat Quadri, fresh off a 4-1, 4-0 win over Rebecca Ekpeyong of Bayelsa, will face rising star Emmanuel Bright of the IJA (Invited Junior Athletes), who overcame Rivers’ Maxwell Timipre 4-2, 5-3.

Edo’s Omotayo Blessing will battle Akwa Ibom’s Udoffa Mary in what promises to be a fiery encounter. Omotayo brushed aside Ekiti’s Adeusi Jesutoyosi 4-0, 4-1, while Udoffa outplayed Moses Favour of Kaduna 5-3, 4-0.

Elsewhere, Ogunjobi Success of Ekiti will test her mettle against Aina Goodnews of IJA, and Akwa Ibom’s Etoro Bassey faces Ogun’s Yakubu Ohunene in a South-South vs South-West showdown.

With the quarterfinals locked in, tennis fans are in for a thrilling ride as the battle for medals intensifies under the Abeokuta sun.

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