By Aderonke Ojo
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has expressed delight and pride in the nation’s athletes, particularly the women’s team, for their outstanding performance in recent tournaments.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at Jabi Lake,Dikko on Thursday in Abuja has emphasised that the Under-18 tournaments are crucial for development and aligned with the NSC’s vision to host numerous events and provide opportunities for athletes.
The NSC Chairman highlighted the importance of domestic sports and encouraged federations to host tournaments, providing a platform for athletes to gain experience and exposure.
“ It’s all about development, and this Under-18 tournament is for the future,” Dikko stated.
Dikko congratulated the athletes, coaches, and federations on their achievements, singling out the women’s team for special praise.
“As usual, the women never disappointed us, and it’s still the women that brought the gold medals for Nigeria,” he said.
He also acknowledged the men’s team, encouraging them to strive for better performance in the future.
Dikko expressed gratitude to Nimrod Musa, President of the federation, for his efforts in organizing the tournament, which featured a significant number of African countries.
“Congratulations to everybody, and I must congratulate my brother, President of the federation, Nimrod Musa, for what he has been doing.
“ With a focus on development and hosting international tournaments, Nigeria is poised to continue producing talented athletes who can compete globally.
“ The NSC’s vision for a robust sporting ecosystem is evident in its support for domestic competitions and international participation.
The high-level competition among 12 participating nations, the 2025 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Championship concluded on Thursday in Abuja, with Nigeria putting up an impressive showing.
The Gambia emerged champions in the men’s category, followed by Congo, while Nigeria secured third and fourth positions. In the women’s category, Nigeria dominated, finishing both first and second positions.