Oluremi Tinubu Declares 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship Open

Top women’s volleyball clubs in Africa have begun their quest for the top prize at the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja after it was officially declared open by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

While urging participants to compete fairly, the First Lady encouraged them to use the championship as a platform to leave their mark in the sport.

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• First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (middle), flanked on the right by the Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Hajia Nana Shettima, and on the left by the President of the Confederation of African Volleyball, Bouchra Hajij, in the midst of Nigeria’s representatives, the Nigeria Customs Female Volleyball Team, at the opening of the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

“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. Each of you represents your nation as well as the unlimited potential of African womanhood. Seeing these talented young African women gathered here, poised to showcase their exceptional skills and sporting excellence, fills my heart with profound joy and optimism for our continent’s future.”

She urged the athletes to see themselves as ambassadors of sports and role models for young girls and women.

• First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, delivering her address to declare the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship open. With her (L-R) are the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajia Laila Barau; Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Ambassador Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq; Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila; and the President of the Confederation of African Volleyball, Bouchra Hajij, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

“As you compete in this tournament, I encourage you to see yourselves as ambassadors of sports and of the limitless potential that lies within every African woman. The discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience you cultivate as athletes are invaluable life skills that will serve you well beyond the volleyball court.”

“To all participants, I urge you to approach both victory and defeat with grace and dignity. You are all winners. To the champions, remember that your success inspires countless young girls watching from the stands and from their homes across Africa. The true essence of sportsmanship lies in how we conduct ourselves in both triumphant and challenging moments.”

• L-R: Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, with Nigeria’s representatives, the Nigeria Customs Female Volleyball Team, at the opening of the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Host teams Nigeria Customs Service and Chief of Naval Staff Strikers are representing Nigeria in this year’s tournament.

The official opening match saw the Customs ladies take on Mayo of Cameroon in a clash between familiar rivals.

With the championship now underway, 16 teams will compete for top honors. The two-week tournament will conclude on July 14, with the top two teams earning automatic qualification for the World Championship.