First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Declares 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship Open in Abuja

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Declares 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship Open in Abuja

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially declared open the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja, marking the commencement of what promises to be a thrilling contest among the continent’s top female volleyball clubs.

In her opening remarks, Senator Tinubu, who serves as the Grand Patron of the championship, lauded the athletes for their determination and courage in representing their nations and embracing excellence in sport.

“The athletes before us today perfectly embody what we advocate for—women boldly claiming their space and proving that gender is never a limitation to greatness,” she stated. “Each of you represents not just your country, but the boundless potential of African womanhood.”

She urged the players to see themselves as role models and ambassadors of sport, encouraging them to carry the values of discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience both on and off the court.

“As you compete in this tournament, remember that the true essence of sportsmanship lies in how we carry ourselves through both victory and defeat. Compete with integrity and grace, knowing that your passion is inspiring countless young girls across the continent.”

The championship kicked off with a high-energy match between Nigeria Customs Service and Mayo of Cameroon—two familiar rivals on the African volleyball scene. Nigeria is represented at this year’s tournament by the Nigeria Customs Service team and the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Strikers.

A total of 16 elite clubs from across Africa will be battling for top honors in the two-week-long tournament, which concludes on July 14. The competition also carries high stakes, as the top two teams will earn automatic qualification to the World Club Championship.

The First Lady praised the organizers and stakeholders for their commitment to promoting women’s sports and fostering unity across the continent through sporting excellence.