By Joel Ajayi
Team Nigeria’s female beach volleyball duo of Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrence lit up the El Dorado Beach pitch in Angola as they clinched the gold medal at the 2025 African Youth Games, defeating Egypt in straight sets.
The Nigerian girls dominated the final, winning the first set 21–15 before sealing victory in the second set 21–17 to overcome the North African giants Egypt 2–0 and secure top honours.
An elated Pamela Bawa, speaking after the match, gave thanks for the victory and described the moment as deeply rewarding.
“First of all, I want to thank the Almighty God for granting us this victory and for putting smiles on our faces and on the faces of Nigerians. I am truly happy, grateful, and filled with joy,” she said.
“I’m rejoicing and thankful to God. I feel very relieved, and this win has given me an endless smile because I know it hasn’t been easy. The training, the ups and downs, moments of sickness, and the effort it took to bounce back to prepare for this great tournament all make this victory very special.”
Looking ahead, Bawa expressed confidence in her future in the sport. “I see myself playing at the elite level. I don’t just see myself participating—I see myself excelling. I strongly believe I am on the path to becoming an Olympian, and I can already envision myself competing at that level,” she added.
The gold medal victory capped a successful outing for Team Nigeria and also secured qualification for the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place next year in Dakar, Senegal.
Head coach John Iwerima described the triumph as both an honour and a privilege, praising God for the opportunity to work with the young athletes.
“It is a privilege to coach these girls, and this is something we do not take for granted. By the grace of God, this victory will take us to the Youth Olympics next year,” Iwerima said.
The coach commended the team’s composure and maturity, particularly against a traditionally strong Egyptian side, and revealed that the Nigeria Volleyball Federation has a clear roadmap for the players’ development.
“The federation has short-term, mid-term and long-term plans. Beyond the Youth Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, this group of girls will continue to develop and eventually graduate into the elite class,” he noted.
Nigeria’s straight-sets win over Egypt in the final crowned a memorable campaign and further underlined the country’s growing strength in youth beach volleyball on the African stage
