News Investigators/ Nigeria’s women’s beach volleyball pair of Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrence on Saturday lost 2-1 to Japan in their opening match at the 2026 Dakar Summer Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
According to the result was published on Olympics.com, the Nigerian duo lost the first set 20-22 to their Japanese opponents, Auru Kato and Mei Nakagawa, in a closely contested encounter.
However, Bawa and Lawrence fought back strongly in the second set, dominating proceedings to secure a 21-11 victory and level the match at one set apiece.
The Japanese pair regained control in the deciding third set, capitalising on Nigeria’s inconsistency to claim a 15-12 victory and win the match 2-1.
The defeat marks a setback for Team Nigeria’s women’s beach volleyball campaign as the athletes continue their quest for medals at the Games.
NAN reports that Nigeria is represented by 19 athletes, comprising 12 women and seven men, who are competing in six sports: athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball.
The fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games is holding from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13 across three host zones in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
The competition brings together emerging athletes from different countries, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talents and compete at the international level.
Team Nigeria’s participation in the Games is part of the country’s efforts to nurture young sporting talents and provide them with international competitive experience.
NAN