Beach Volleyball: Olopade, Gumel Applaud Nigeria’s Historic Olympic Ticket

Beach Volleyball: Olopade, Gumel Applaud Nigeria’s Historic Olympic Ticket

By BSN Sports 

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, have congratulated Nigeria’s beach volleyball team on its historic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria secured its first-ever Olympic qualification 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 congratulated the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, the players and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for their contributions to the historic achievement.

Gumel described the qualification as a landmark moment for Nigerian sports, particularly beach volleyball, praising 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 IOC member also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his administration’s investment in sports development, saying the qualification demonstrated the impact of support for Nigerian 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 also acknowledged the contributions of the leadership of the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for their support for the athletes.

“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,” Gumel said.

He also commended Engineer Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, for his role in the development of the sport and the team’s success.

The historic victory in Alexandria earned Mbah and Bawa Nigeria’s first-ever qualification for the Olympic beach volleyball competition, securing the country’s place at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.