The First Lady and wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, 3 April 2025, graced the momentous occasion of the 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, where she officially declared the tournament open.
This historic edition marks the first time Nigeria is hosting the African Women’s Volleyball Tournament, bringing together elite clubs from across the continent to compete at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.
Addressing the gathering, the First Lady welcomed the participating teams and commended the organisers for their dedication to promoting volleyball in Africa.
“This tournament reflects the strength, determination, and talent of African women in sports. I encourage all teams to compete with discipline, respect, and true sportsmanship. Let this championship be a platform for building friendships and inspiring future generations,” she said.
She also applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to sports development, noting that such initiatives contribute to youth empowerment and national unity.
Earlier, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering bilateral relationships between the participating countries and showcasing Nigeria’s excellence in sports.
“Success is measured by the standards we uphold, the opportunities we create, and the inspiration we provide. To all the athletes competing today, this is more than a game. It is a stage where you inspire others and leave a legacy for the next generation. Play with passion, integrity, and the spirit of fair competition,” CGC Adeniyi said.
He further emphasised the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering support for sports, describing the tournament as a reflection of the Service’s commitment to youth engagement and national development.
“Sports has a unique way of uniting people beyond borders, fostering teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. As you take to the court, remember that your performance today will inspire many young girls across the continent who aspire to be where you are. Let this tournament serve as a reminder that through hard work and determination, excellence is achievable,” he added.
The CGC also expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her support, stating that her Renewed Hope Initiative has been instrumental in advancing youth and women’s development across various sectors, including sports in the country.
Also, in his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, commended Nigeria Customs Service for securing a right to host the tournament, describing it as a milestone in African volleyball.
“This championship serves as a platform for African teams to showcase their skills at the highest level. Hosting this event in Nigeria reflects the country’s rising status in global sports and the commitment of our institutions to developing talent across various disciplines,” he said.
He further acknowledged the First Lady’s presence, stating that her role as the Grand Patron of the championship signifies a new era of support for women’s sports.
“The presence of Her Excellency today is a testament to the government’s resolve to uplift women’s sports and provide opportunities for female athletes to excel on the global stage. Your leadership and advocacy have continued to inspire young athletes, and we are confident that this championship will leave a lasting impact on the future of African volleyball,” he added.
Dikko also urged corporate organisations and stakeholders to invest more in the growth of women’s volleyball in Africa, adding that “Sports development requires collaboration. We must seize this opportunity to foster stronger partnerships between government, private institutions, and sports federations to ensure the continuous progress of women’s volleyball in Africa.”
Similarly, the President of the African Volleyball Confederation, Bouchra Hajij, highlighted the importance of fair play and discipline among the competing teams.
“This tournament is more than just a competition; it is an avenue to promote unity, friendship, and the shared passion we have for volleyball. I urge all participating teams to respect the rules, uphold the spirit of the game, and demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship throughout the competition,” she said.
She also praised Nigeria for hosting the championship and providing a world-class platform for female athletes to excel.
“The African Volleyball Confederation is proud to see Nigeria hosting this historic event. It is a reflection of the country’s growing influence in sports development and its commitment to promoting women’s participation in athletics. I encourage all teams to use this opportunity to showcase their best performances while also building relationships that will strengthen the volleyball community across Africa,” Hajij added.
She further encouraged young girls across the continent to see the championship as an inspiration to pursue sports. “Every spike, every serve, and every rally played in this tournament will inspire the next generation. Let us continue to push the boundaries and ensure that African women’s volleyball reaches even greater heights.” She concluded.
Following the grand opening, the tournament began with an electrifying match between the Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Team and their Cameroonian counterparts.
The Customs team delivered an outstanding performance, securing a straight-set victory, with the first round ending with Nigeria Customs scoring 25 points against Cameroon’s 18.
In the second round, the Customs team extended their lead with a 25-17 win, whereas the final round saw a determined effort from the Cameroonian side, but Nigeria Customs sealed their triumph with a 25-22 finish.
The competition, which commenced on Thursday, 3rd April 2025, is expected to conclude on 14 April 2025, when a new champion will emerge.
