For the first time in 16 years, Nigeria will compete in the beach volleyball event when hostilities begin at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

This is because the Nigerian team, made up of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa, at the weekend, secured the ticket to represent Africa at the Games. They defeated Morocco in straight sets 2-0 (21-18, 21-10) to book an early qualification to Los Angeles.

The victory has been described as “heart-warming” by the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, as well as the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade.

While congratulating the team for their effort, Gumel also praised the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Musa Nimrod, for working tirelessly to ensure this success.

“I am happy and indeed excited that the team pulled this victory through. We are no longer a pushover on the international stage,” he said.

Gumel, who previously served as the president of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, extended his best wishes to other national teams currently striving for Olympic berths.

Olopade also sent a congratulatory message to the NVF and the team, saying that their historic achievement has brought immense pride to the nation and further validates the recent developmental efforts within the sport.

Olopade praised the seamless synergy between the Federation and the Commission, while expressing his strong belief in the team’s ability to win a medal on the global stage.