First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, together with the Chairman of the Nigerian Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, has officially declared open the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja, affirming that gender is never a limitation to excellence.
The Independent Mirror reports that the declaration was made on Friday, marking the start of the two-week tournament.
The First Lady charged the 16 participating teams to embrace fair play and take full advantage of the competition to showcase their skills and elevate the profile of women’s sports on the continent.
Senator Tinubu, who serves as the Grand Patron of the championship, expressed hope and pride in the talent gathered in Nigeria’s capital.
She urged the athletes to compete with dignity and serve as role models for the next generation of African girls.
While speaking, Malam Shehu Dikko described the tournament as highly competitive and assured his support for all sporting activities in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s representatives, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Chief of Naval Staff Strikers, are among the 16 top women’s clubs from across Africa vying for the continental title and a spot at the World Championship.
The opening match saw the Nigeria Customs team defeat Mayo Kane of Cameroon by 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-22) at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The championship, which runs until April 14, will determine the two African clubs that will qualify for the upcoming World Women’s Volleyball Club Championship.
