President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s beach volleyball team on securing a historic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Gumel described the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian sports and a major breakthrough for beach volleyball in the country.
The NOC President praised the duo of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa for making history by earning Nigeria its first-ever Olympic qualification in beach volleyball.
“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.
Nigeria secured the historic ticket after Mbah and 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.
The victory earned the Nigerian pair the gold medal and confirmed their place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Gumel, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s support and investment in sports development, describing the qualification as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to Nigerian athletes.
“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.
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He also acknowledged the contributions of the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for their consistent 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 added.
The NOC President also commended the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, who doubles as President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, for his contribution to the development of beach volleyball in Nigeria.
The historic qualification marks a significant milestone for Nigerian beach volleyball, with Mbah and Bawa becoming the first Nigerian beach volleyball athletes to qualify for the Olympic Games.
