LA28: Olopade, Gumel Hail Nimrod As Nigeria Seal Historic Beach Volleyball Ticket

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, and President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, have congratulated the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) and its President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, following Nigeria’s historic qualification for the beach volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Nigeria secured the landmark qualification after Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa defeated Morocco 2-0 in the women’s final of the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, on Saturday.

The Nigerian duo won the contest 21-17, 21-10 to claim the continental title and book Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic qualification in beach volleyball.

Olopade hailed Nimrod’s leadership and persistence in developing the sport, while also praising Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his sustained support for the federation.

“Congratulations to the Nigeria Volleyball Federation. This is true federation leadership in true collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC),” Olopade said.

“I want to specially thank the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for this success. We are grateful for your huge investment in volleyball.”

The NSC DG said the qualification demonstrated the impact of sustained investment, institutional support and commitment to athlete development.

He also expressed confidence in the future of Nigerian volleyball, saying: “The fast growth of volleyball and beach volleyball is something I have been talking about for months and they are a potential podium team at the Olympics.”

For Gumel, the qualification represents a landmark moment for Nigerian sport, with Mbah and Bawa earning a place in the world’s biggest sporting event.

“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,” the NOC president said.

Gumel also attributed the breakthrough to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for sports development and athlete welfare.

“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 added.

The NOC president further commended the NSC Chairman and Director-General, as well as CGC Adeniyi, for their contributions towards the team’s success.

“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 said.

He also reserved special praise for Nimrod, who doubles as President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, for his leadership of Nigerian volleyball.

The historic achievement ends a 16-year wait for the NVBF and marks a significant breakthrough for Nigeria, which will now make its Olympic debut in beach volleyball at LA28.