By Aderonke Ojo
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, has expressed satisfaction with the impact of newly appointed Technical Adviser/Coach Ryan Masajedi, saying the American coach has already made a positive difference since taking charge of the country’s national teams.
Masajedi was unveiled by the NVBF on August 5 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja, as the new Technical Adviser/Coach for Nigeria’s national volleyball teams.
Since his appointment, Masajedi has been working with the national women’s team as they prepare for the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya, with Nimrod expressing confidence in the coach’s ability to further develop the team.
Nimrod said the federation is pleased with Masajedi’s work and revealed that his performance has also received positive feedback from officials of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
“He is a well-known coach and the FIVB are very happy that he is here. Even in Dakar, the issue of Coach Ryan came up and everybody is happy with him,” Nimrod said.
According to the NVBF president, the responsibility now rests on the players to complement the coach’s efforts by translating his instructions and training into results on the court.
“It is now left for the players to do their own part. The coach cannot play; he cannot go in,” Nimrod added.
He said the information reaching the federation indicates that Masajedi is giving his best and that the development of Nigerian volleyball is beginning to take shape under the new technical direction.
“The information I am getting is that Coach Ryan is doing his best, and the development of the game is really taking shape. I have no fear,” Nimrod said.
Masajedi to Lead Both National Teams
Nimrod explained that Masajedi’s responsibilities extend beyond the women’s national team, as he will also take charge of the men’s national team ahead of the African Nations Championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The appointment is part of the federation’s broader effort to strengthen the technical structure of Nigeria’s national teams and improve the country’s competitiveness on the continent.
Coach to Drive Grassroots Development
Beyond the senior national teams, Nimrod said Masajedi will play a significant role in the federation’s grassroots and talent-development programmes.
He disclosed that the coach is expected to visit all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to identify emerging talents, work with local coaches and contribute to the development of volleyball at the grassroots.
“He will help us drive our developmental programmes by visiting the six geopolitical zones to identify talents, work with coaches and contribute to the growth of volleyball across the country,” Nimrod said.
The NVBF president described the arrangement as an important step towards creating a stronger pathway for young volleyball players to progress into the national teams.
12-Month Contract
Nimrod further disclosed that Masajedi’s contract will run for 12 months, with the Nigeria Volleyball Federation complementing the technical support provided through its agreement with the FIVB.
“His contract is for 12 months, and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation will complement the contract provided by the FIVB,” he said.
The federation believes the partnership will provide the national teams and grassroots programmes with the technical expertise required to build a sustainable volleyball development structure in Nigeria.
Nimrod expressed optimism that with the coach, players and federation working together, Nigeria can continue to make progress ahead of major continental competitions.
