The 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship officially began on Thursday, 3 April 2025, with a historic opening ceremony at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja. The First Lady and wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had the honor of declaring the tournament open, marking the first time Nigeria is hosting this prestigious event.
In her speech, the First Lady warmly welcomed all participating teams and praised the efforts of the organisers for bringing such a significant event to Nigeria. She highlighted the importance of the championship as a celebration of the strength, talent, and determination of African women in sports.
“This tournament reflects the power and potential of African women. Let it be a stage for not just competition, but also unity, respect, and friendship. I encourage all athletes to compete with integrity, sportsmanship, and pride, as this championship will inspire future generations of young women,” Senator Tinubu remarked.
She also applauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its unwavering support for sports development in Nigeria, stressing that such initiatives play a vital role in empowering youth and promoting national unity.
“I am proud to see Nigeria hosting this historic event, which is a reflection of our growing commitment to advancing women’s sports and creating more opportunities for female athletes,” she added.
Earlier in the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, spoke of the tournament’s role in fostering international relationships and showcasing Nigeria’s excellence in sports. He thanked the First Lady for her continuous support for women and youth development, particularly through her Renewed Hope Initiative.
“The support of Her Excellency, the First Lady, is invaluable to this tournament and to the wider goals of promoting youth engagement and empowerment,” CGC Adeniyi said. “This event is not just about competition; it is about inspiring the next generation of athletes and fostering unity across Africa.”
In her role as Grand Patron of the championship, Senator Tinubu’s leadership was recognized by Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, who expressed his gratitude for her involvement. Dikko commended Nigeria Customs for securing the right to host the tournament and described the event as a milestone for African volleyball.
The First Lady’s presence also received praise from the President of the African Volleyball Confederation, Bouchra Hajij, who emphasized the importance of fair play and unity throughout the competition.
“Her Excellency’s leadership and advocacy for women’s sports are truly inspiring. This event will have a lasting impact on African volleyball and inspire young girls across the continent to pursue sports,” said Hajij.
Following the opening ceremony, the Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Team took to the court against their Cameroonian counterparts in an electrifying match. The Nigerian team triumphed with a 3-0 victory, with scores of 25-18, 25-17, and 25-22, marking a strong start to the tournament.
The 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, which runs from 3 to 14 April 2025, promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, sportsmanship, and African unity.
