By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Team Nigeria delivered a brilliant performance to clinch the gold medal in the women’s beach volleyball event at the ongoing African Youth Games (AYG) in Angola, defeating Egypt 2–0 (21–17, 21–15) in Sunday’s final.
The impressive victory crowned a dominant campaign for the Nigerian duo and further underlined the country’s growing strength in beach volleyball on the African stage.
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, praised the players for making the nation proud, describing their triumph as well-deserved and timely.
Nimrod, who also serves as President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, said the gold medal offered strong consolation for Nigeria’s absence from the last two World Championships in Qatar and Australia.
He noted that Nigeria is steadily emerging as a major force in African beach volleyball, pointing to the consistent improvement and confidence displayed by the women’s team.
“Our target is clear,” Nimrod said. “The Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission is working towards qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, especially after finishing second in the last two qualification campaigns.”
Congratulating the gold medalists, Nimrod singled out Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrences for their outstanding effort.
“I want to congratulate the players for making the country proud at the African Youth Games in Angola. Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrences have written Nigeria’s name in gold,” he said.
“They missed out on two World Championships, but this medal means a lot to the Federation and to Nigeria as a whole.”
The NVBF president also commended coach John Iwerima for his technical input and guidance, which he said played a key role in the team’s success.
In addition, Nimrod applauded the National Sports Commission (NSC) for ensuring Nigeria’s participation in beach volleyball at the Games, describing the support as crucial to the team’s achievement.
He expressed strong optimism about the future, stressing that beach volleyball would continue to bring honours to Nigeria at both continental and global competitions.
With this gold medal win, Team Nigeria has once again confirmed its rising status in African beach volleyball and boosted hopes for greater success on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
