The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi has assured all participating teams of a conducive environment at the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja.
Adeniyi stated this during the technical meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
In his welcome address, he recognised the challenges faced by all participants and officials from across Africa , who had endured long flights to arrive in Abuja.
“It is our pleasure to welcome the greatest assembly of volleyball in Africa to Abuja. “We are indeed very happy to see you.
“Nigeria would do its best to make your stay enjoyable, highlighting the country’s warm and friendly nature of Nigerians,” he said.
He also highlighted the complexity of volleyball, noting that while only 12 players and a few officials are visible on the court, a long value chain of umpires, referees, scorers, statisticians, and others work behind the scenes.
“ As a host country, this is Nigeria’s first time playing this role, the importance of teamwork and collaboration is what is making the tournament a success.
“The competition is designed to showcase the best of African volleyball talent, with teams competing for the top prize,” he said.
Adeniyi expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and support received from the federation, control committee, and the president of Nigeria volleyball federation, Musa Nimrod .
On his part, Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, welcomed all participating clubs to Nigeria.
He expressed his gratitude to the teams for choosing Nigeria as their host country, a first-time privilege for the nation.
Nimrod assured the participants that Abuja is a peaceful and secure city with excellent healthcare services available.
“You are all welcome, and I encourage you to enjoy your stay in Abuja,” he said.
Nimrod emphasised the spirit of unity and camaraderie among the participating teams, saying, “We are all brothers and sisters here.
“ I wish all the teams the best of luck during their stay in Abuja, Africa is one, enjoy yourself and hospitality that defines the African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which started on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, is expected to end on April 14.
NAN also reports that out of the 24 expected participating teams, only 16 teams were on ground at the technical meeting.
They include the Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS), Mayo Kani Evolution (MKE) of Cameroon,Armee Patriotique Rwandaise Volleyball Club (APR) of Rwanda, Club Femini De Carthage (CFC) of Tunisia.
Zamalek Sporting Club ( ZMK) of Egpyt, Kenya Prisons Volleyball Club (PRI) of Kenya, Chief of Naval staff( CNS), Spiking Stars Volleyball (SSV) of Botswana.
Al Ahly Sporting club ( AHL) of Egpyt, Kenya Commercial Bank Volleyball Club (KCB) of Kenya,VolleyballClub La LOI ( VLL) of Democratic Republic of Congo ,Sococim(SOC) of Senegal .
Others are Litto Team Volleyball (LTV) of Cameroon ,Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club (KPC) of Kenya, Police Volleyball Club (PVC) of Rwanda and Club Ominisports Descartes of Cote d’Ivoire.
(NAN)
