President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel has congratulated Nigeria’s beach volleyball team on its historic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Gumel described the qualification as a landmark achievement for Nigerian sports, particularly beach volleyball.

He explained that the duo of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa had made the country proud by securing a historic place at the world’s biggest sporting event.

He said: “This is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Nigeria. Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa have written their names in the history of Nigerian sports, and we are extremely proud of their determination, commitment and hard work.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) member also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s investment in the development of sports, describing the qualification as a reflection of the President’s support for Nigerian athletes and sports development.

Gumel said: “This qualification is a testament to the support of our sports-loving President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are proud that this historic qualification is happening during his administration.”

He also commended the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for their consistent support for the athletes.

Gumel further said: “I want to appreciate the Chairman and DG of the National Sports Commission, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for their support to these players, which made this achievement and qualification possible. This qualification will serve as a motivation for other sports federations.

“My appreciation will not be complete without mentioning the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, who also doubles as the President CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission.

Nigeria defeated Morocco 2-0 (21-18, 21-10) to secure the gold medal in the women’s category of the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, on Saturday, August 22.

The victory earned Mbah and Bawa Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic qualification in beach volleyball.