By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Technical Adviser /Coach, Ryan Masajedi, says the country has a pool of talented and physically gifted players but must improve its fundamental techniques and positional discipline to compete effectively at the continental level.
Masajedi explained that the team’s three-week preparation period was largely focused on sharpening the players’ basic skills and ensuring that every player clearly understands her responsibilities on the court.
“You already have so many good, talented and physically strong players. The only thing we were missing was the basic things the fundamental techniques, which are most important,” he said.
According to the coach, the technical team worked with the players based on their respective positions, ensuring that each player understands her primary responsibilities and what is expected of her during a game.
He explained that a libero, for example, must prioritise reception and defence, while a setter is expected to focus primarily on setting before contributing to other aspects of the game.
“For each position, we made everything clear. I was very happy with their efforts during this first period, and they have been developing well,” he added.
With the team set to travel to Kenya, Masajedi and the technical team believe the intensive preparation will help Nigeria put up a strong performance against some of Africa’s leading volleyball nations.
The Nigeria Senior Women’s Volleyball Team is set to represent the country in Kenya after spending three weeks in camp preparing for the continental competition.
Officials of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation are confident that the team is well prepared to compete against some of the strongest teams in Africa.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, NVBF Second Vice President and Chairman of the League Management Committee, Architect Adamu Tanimu expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation.
“To be honest with you, I have never had it this good. The team has prepared very well, and we are giving them everything they need. I am confident that, all things being equal, they will perform wonders in Kenya,” Tanimu said.
He explained that the federation adopted a different approach for this competition by bringing in Masajedi, an international coach with extensive experience, as Technical Adviser.
According to him, volleyball has evolved into a global sport and can no longer be played solely through traditional methods.
“Coach Ryan has introduced so many things since he came on board. He has brought in the international approach required to make the team look and play like an international side. Hopefully, this will be an entirely different Nigerian female team,” he said.
Tanimu added that the players have been encouraged to believe in themselves and travel to Kenya with the mindset of winning rather than simply participating.
“You have to believe in yourself, and you must believe that you are going to win. You are not just going there to participate; you are going there to win. By God’s grace, we shall win,” he said.
He also revealed that Masajedi’s impact has attracted the attention of coaches outside Nigeria, particularly from North Africa, describing the development as an indication of the seriousness of the federation’s new technical direction.
Tenimu urged the players to remain confident and assured them of the federation’s continued support, while also acknowledging the element of luck that accompanies every team in competition.
Meanwhile, Head Coach of the Nigeria Senior Women’s National Volleyball Team, Elishama Elam, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the team.
Elam confirmed that the players had spent three weeks in camp preparing for the competition, with the primary objective of representing Nigeria proudly and returning with a positive result.
“For the past three weeks, we have been in camp, and our expectation is to go there and represent the country. We are hoping to come out with a good result,” Elam said.
Acknowledging the quality of the opposition, particularly hosts Kenya and Egypt, Elam insisted that Nigeria would not be intimidated.
“The Kenyans and the Egyptians are good sides. But with our preparation, honestly, we are going to challenge these nations,” he said.
The coach also appealed to Nigerians to support the team with prayers as the players prepare to embark on their continental assignment.
With a renewed technical approach, improved focus on fundamentals and clearly defined positional responsibilities, the Nigerian team is heading to Kenya with confidence and the determination to compete against Africa’s best.
Nigeria’s team, which will represent the country at the continental championship, comprises players selected across different positions.
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 Sunday Akapson has been named the team’s Setters Trainer.The Nigerian side will leave the offshore of Nigeria on Saturday from Abuja.
