By Aderonke Ojo
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has charged the Senior Women’s National Volleyball Team to approach the 2026 African Women’s Volleyball Championship in Kenya with confidence and a strong competitive mentality.
Architect Adamu Tanimu, Second Vice President of the NVBF and Chairman of the League Management Committee, gave the charge on Friday in Abuja during the official unveiling of Nigeria’s 12-player squad for the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship.
The championship is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5, with Nigeria expected to depart for the competition on Saturday, August 22.
Tanimu urged the players to believe in their abilities and compete against Africa’s leading volleyball nations without approaching the tournament as underdogs.
“You must believe that you can compete with the players of this continent, whether they are from Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda or Cameroon,” Tanimu said.
“We are no longer competing as underdogs. We earned it; that’s why we are here.”
He said the players were selected from among millions of Nigerians because of their talent, commitment and ability, urging them to justify the confidence placed in them.
Tanimu also commended NVBF President Musa Nimrod for his support in ensuring that the team had adequate preparation ahead of the championship.
“Today, we are coming out to celebrate our own and to officially unveil the team that is going to represent Nigeria at the Women’s Nations Cup in Nairobi, Kenya,” he said.
According to him, volleyball has evolved considerably, making it necessary for Nigerian players to acquire modern techniques, tactical knowledge and systems required to compete at the international level.
He praised NVBF Technical Adviser Ryan Masajedi, Head Coach Elishama Elam and the entire technical crew for their contribution to the team’s preparation.
“We all know that volleyball today is no longer the traditional volleyball that we know. Teams develop their own systems, styles of play and techniques that suit them. All these come together to form what we now call the international game,” Tanimu said.
He urged the players to translate the lessons learned during their training camp into strong performances in Kenya.
Tanimu also reminded the players of the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria, noting that millions of Nigerians would be following their campaign.
“You are not only playing volleyball; 230 million Nigerians are on your shoulders. Each and every one of us wants you to perform. We want to see you succeed,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria could use the championship as a pathway towards World Championship qualification, while urging the players to maintain their fighting spirit throughout the competition.
“It is now competition spirit. We have already acquired the techniques and knowledge on how to play at that platform, and God willing, we are going to see ourselves playing at the next level,” he added.
Head Coach Elishama Elam expressed appreciation to the federation’s leadership and technical crew for their support during the team’s preparation.
Elam said the players had undergone an intensive three-week training camp and were ready to represent the country on the continental stage.
“Three weeks of camp is not just a joke. We have all exhausted our strengths. This time, we will all go out to represent the country,” he said.
The coach appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for the team throughout the championship.
“We are not making any promises, but we know that we are going to represent the country well. Nigerians should keep praying for us,” Elam added.
NVBF Technical Coach Adviser , Ryan Masajedi praised the players for their commitment and dedication during the preparation camp.
He said the technical crew focused on improving the players’ techniques, physical preparation, injury prevention and overall technical development.
“What makes me really happy is your effort. As I said before, your effort is amazing and impressive, and I am very happy about it,” Masajedi said.
He urged the players to remain patient, disciplined and committed during their matches, regardless
of the strength of their opponents.
“It doesn’t matter who is stronger. It is about who is patient and who plays volleyball better. That’s what volleyball is all about,” he said.
Masajedi, who will not travel with the team to Kenya, wished the players the best of luck and expressed confidence in their ability to produce a positive result.
Team captain , Ijeoma Ukpabi said the players were determined to ensure that their sacrifices during the training camp translated into a successful campaign in Kenya.
“We sacrificed our time, our energy and a lot of things to be here, and I am very sure that it is not going to go to waste,” Ukpabi said.
She said the team had developed a strong bond during preparations and would remain united regardless of the quality of opposition.
“It doesn’t matter who is on the other side of the court. It doesn’t matter who has been there before. This time, we are going for ourselves first, before anything else,” she added.
Ukpabi appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the team with prayers and expressed hope for an injury-free and successful tournament.
Hasso Describes Players as ‘Chosen Ones’
In his closing remarks, NVBF North-East Representative, DCP Stephen Hasso (Rtd.), described the 12 players as the “Chosen Ones” and urged them to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria.
Hasso commended the federation for providing the team with a foreign technical adviser during its preparation and urged the players to put the lessons learned during the camp into practice.
“You were among many players chosen to go and represent the country. First, I want to believe that you are going to be good ambassadors of this country,” he said.
He also advised the players to follow the instructions of the coaching staff during matches and maintain discipline on the court.
“I have watched you guys train here, and honestly, if I tell you that I am not satisfied with your level of training and what I have seen, I will be lying. I have observed you, and I believe that you are equal to the task,” Hasso said.
He thanked NVBF President Musa Nimrod for providing the necessary support for the team’s preparation and prayed for the players’ safe journey to Kenya.
Nigeria’s 12-Player Squad
Outside Hitters: Ijeoma Ukpabi (Captain), Maryam Ibrahim, Deborah Chukwu, Mmesoma Okekearu.
Middle Blockers: Deborah Sunday, Ganiyat Lateef, Aisha Bello.
Opposite Hitters: Kelechi Ndukauba, Christiana Paul.
Setters: Aisha Umaru, Enewa Odoh.
Libero: Jummai Bitrus.
The team will be led by Head Coach Elishama Elam, with Olusegun Abinde serving as Assistant Coach and Sunday Akapson as Setters Trainer.
The Nigerian side will leave on Saturday now head to Kenya seeking to make a strong impression at the continental championship and secure a place among Africa’s leading women’s volleyball teams.
