Gumel celebrates Nigeria’s 2-0 2026 African Beach Volleyball title

Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa defeated Morocco 2-0, winning the sets 21-18 and 21-10, to claim the 2026 African Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship in Alexandria, Egypt. The victory also secured Nigeria’s first Olympic Games qualification in beach volleyball, with the pair set to represent the country at Los Angeles 2028.

Nigeria Olympic Committee president Habu Gumel described the achievement as a landmark for Nigerian sport and hailed it as a special moment for the country. He praised the players for their determination and work, saying their names would remain associated with Nigeria’s first Olympic beach volleyball qualification.

The result gave Mbah and Bawa the title as well as the Olympic place, making them the first Nigerian beach volleyball pairing to reach the Games. Their success came after they overcame Morocco in straight sets in the women’s continental championship.

Gumel congratulated the duo, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and Nigerians. He also dedicated the qualification to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and said it reflected the support given to sport during the president’s administration.

The NOC president highlighted the work of the National Sports Commission under chairman Shehu Dikko and recognised the backing provided by the commission’s chairman and director-general. He also thanked Nigeria Customs Service comptroller-general Adewale Adeniyi for supporting the players.

Gumel further praised NVBF president Musa Nimrod, who also heads the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission. He said the qualification could encourage other Nigerian sports federations, while acknowledging the combined contribution of the players, volleyball officials and sporting authorities to the historic result.