First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has officially opened the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja, emphasizing that gender is never a barrier to excellence.
The two-week tournament features 16 participating teams, and Mrs. Tinubu urged them to showcase their skills, promote fair play, and elevate women’s sports on the continent.
Key Highlights
- Empowering Women: The First Lady stressed that women should boldly claim their space and demonstrate their capabilities, saying, “The athletes before us today perfectly embody what we advocate for – women boldly claiming their space and demonstrating that gender is never a limitation to excellence.”
- Promoting Sports Development: Mrs. Tinubu encouraged athletes to develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, which will benefit them beyond the volleyball court. “As you compete, remember that the discipline, teamwork, and leadership you develop here will serve you far beyond the volleyball court. Approach both victory and defeat with grace. You are all winners,” she noted.
- Role Models for the Next Generation: The First Lady urged athletes to compete with dignity and serve as role models for African girls, expressing hope and pride in the talent gathered in Abuja.
Additional Insights into the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship
The championship, held at Abuja’s MKO Abiola National Stadium, features 24 volleyball clubs from top African nations. Teams from Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin Republic are making their debut, competing against established countries from Egypt, Tunisia, and Kenya.
A Celebration of African Culture
The opening ceremony showcased the rich cultural heritage of Africa and Nigeria, with music, dance, and art performances that moved fans to tears. The event was attended by hundreds of fans and top dignitaries, including CAVB President Bouchra Hajij and the Controller General of Nigeria Customs Service.
Promoting Women’s Sports Development
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s presence as Grand Patron highlights her support for women’s sports and development in Nigeria. The championship aims to promote women’s sports, empower young female athletes, and provide a platform for them to showcase their skills.
Exciting Matches and Debut Teams
In one of the earlier games, APR of Rwanda stunned Tunisia’s CFC, winning 3-1 with set scores of 18-25, 26-24, 25-23, and 25-23. The Customs Service Women Volleyball Club is flying Nigeria’s flag at the tournament, aiming to win the championship for the first time.