By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso.
Nigeria will make history at the 2025 CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Continental Championship as two home teams, Nigeria I and Nigeria II, clash in an all-Nigerian final on Thursday, August 7, at Jabi Lake, Abuja.
The feat ensures the host nation secures both gold and silver medals in the girls’ category, a major milestone for Nigerian youth volleyball.
Nigeria I, represented by Pamela Bawa and Joy Lauren, booked their spot with a dominant 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) win over DR Congo in the first semifinal. Nigeria II’s Ifechukwu Odoh and Blessing Anebi staged an impressive comeback to edge Egypt I 2-1 (20-22, 21-18, 15-11) in the second semifinal, sealing a historic final for Nigeria.
Pamela Bawa, a bronze medallist at the 2023 African Games, expressed delight: “I’m excited and grateful to God for this opportunity. We’re going for gold,” she said, looking ahead to the FIVB U18 World Championship later this year in Australia and Doha.
DR Congo and Egypt I will fight for bronze in the girls’ event, while in the boys’ category, DR Congo will face Gambia in the final after defeating Nigeria III and Nigeria I in the semis. Both Nigerian boys’ teams will contest for third place.
The tournament has showcased Africa’s emerging talent, with Nigeria’s dominance in the girls’ division underlining the country’s rising profile in youth beach volleyball.
