By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, Dec. 14, 2025 – A resounding victory on the sands of Angola has ignited a wave of optimism for Nigerian sport. Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) and head of the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Beach Volleyball Commission, has lauded the nation’s women’s beach volleyball team for capturing the gold medal at the 4th African Youth Games (AYG), framing the win as a pivotal moment in the country’s athletic ascent.
Team Nigeria’s duo of Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrence secured the championship in decisive fashion, defeating Egypt 2–0 (21–17, 21–15) in the women’s final. For Nimrod, this triumph is more than just a podium finish; it’s “significant compensation” for past disappointments. “The duo missed two World Championships in Qatar and Australia,” he noted, “but this medal means a lot to the Federation and the country.”
From Continental Contenders to Powerhouse
Nimrod’s praise underscores a broader narrative of sustained growth. “Nigeria is fast becoming the home of beach volleyball in Africa,” he declared, pointing to the consistent excellence of the women’s program as proof the nation is “on the right path.” This victory at a continental youth championship is a key indicator of a healthy talent pipeline, suggesting that success is not a one-off but the result of systematic development.
The Road to Los Angeles 2028
Beyond continental glory, the federation has set its sights on the ultimate stage. Nimrod confirmed that the “long-term goal” is securing a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games—a feat that has narrowly eluded Nigeria twice before. “The country narrowly missed out after finishing second in the last two Olympic qualification campaigns,” he revealed. This youth gold medal, therefore, is seen as a critical stepping stone, building the experience, confidence, and competitive pedigree needed to finally break through on the global qualifier circuit.
Acknowledging the Support System
The NVBF president was quick to share credit for the achievement, commending coach John Iwerima for his “proper guidance” and the National Sports Commission for ensuring Nigeria’s participation. “The support is vital to the sport’s success,” Nimrod emphasized, highlighting the essential role of institutional backing in transforming individual talent into team triumph.
The Games in Context
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 4th African Youth Games, which began on Dec. 10 and will conclude on Dec. 20, marks a historic moment as the first edition hosted by a Lusophone nation (Angola). Nigeria’s contingent of 86 athletes is competing across 12 sports in six host cities, including Luanda and Benguela. The Games bring together young athletes aged 14 to 17 from across Africa, serving as a crucial incubator for the continent’s future Olympic stars.
With this victory, Nigeria’s beach volleyball program has not only written its name “in gold” at the AYG but has also served notice of its rising stature. The win provides tangible momentum and a powerful narrative as the federation pursues its ambitious Olympic dream, signaling that Nigeria’s prowess on the sand is here to stay.
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
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