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The Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 20 players to camp ahead of the 2026 African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as preparations intensify for the continental qualifying tournament scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast from July 13-23.
The squad, announced by the federation on Saturday, comprises a mix of experienced national team players, emerging domestic stars and foreign-based professionals who are expected to spearhead Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. Project reports
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, Godspower Avwerosuoghene Odedede, the players were selected following impressive performances during the first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League, as well as an extensive nationwide scouting exercise conducted by the federation’s technical crew.
The invited players are expected to travel to the camp in Abuja, where they will begin intensive preparations before leaving for the championship in Ivory Coast.
A strong team selected
The national technical group named three setters, seven outside hitters, four opposite hitters, five middle hitters and three liberos in what officials described as a carefully balanced squad capable of competing with the best teams on the continent.
Among the invited setters are Bruno Ibeh of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Spikers, Adeniyi Favor of the Nigeria Customs Service and Elisha Anebi of the CNS Volleyball Club.
The outside batsmen include Jaiyeola Abdulquadri (Customs), Lucky Palmer (Kano Pillars), Ogunshina Obayemi (Nigeria Police Force), Izuchukwu Oforah (Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps), Emmanuel Udah (Customs) and Anachuna Chukwuemeka (Nigeria Police Force).
The list of opposites includes Vincent Mathias (COAS), Oyedepo Dhikirullahi (NSCDC), Armstrong E. Udoka (Light Spikers) and Okonkwo Kingsley (Customs).
The middle blockers invited for the qualifiers are Anele Timothy (Customs), Pascal Ozokoye (NSCDC), Mora Jibril (CNS), Army Ferdinand (CNS) and Kazeem Mutiu (Nigeria Customs Service).
The three liberos selected for national duty are Abednego Hassan, Tiamiyu Ismail, both from the Nigeria Customs Service, and Peter Precious from the CNS Volleyball Club. Nigeriavolleyballfederation.ng
The technical crew is confident
The coaching crew will be led by head coach Oladipupo Taiwo Gabriel, with Tswevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu as assistant coaches.
Speaking on the prospects of the team, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Prince Tunde Omisore, expressed optimism that the selected players possess the necessary quality to ensure qualification for the African Cup of Nations.
According to him, the technical team carefully evaluated the players during the first phase of the National Premier Volleyball League before arriving at the final list.
“The technical crew has put together a solid team with the right blend of domestic talent and foreign professionals. We are confident that this team has what it takes to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup,” Omisore said.
He noted that the standard displayed during the national championship provided an ideal platform to evaluate players and identify those capable of representing Nigeria at continental level.
The national championship produces talent
Omisore described the National Premier Volleyball League as an important talent development platform that continues to strengthen the country’s national teams.
He explained that the level of competition observed during the first phase of the championship demonstrated the steady progress being made in Nigerian volleyball, with several young players showing notable improvements.
According to him, the federation remains committed to ensuring that the selection of the national team is based on merit and current form.
He added that performance in the national championship will continue to play an important role in determining invitations to future national assignments.
Nimrod praised
The Chairman of the Technical Committee also commended the President of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation, Eng. Musa Nimrod, for his leadership and continuous investment in the development of volleyball across the country.
He said the federation’s leadership has created an enabling environment for coaches to conduct objective scouting exercises while providing the necessary resources for effective preparation.
Omisore expressed appreciation for the support given to the technical department, underlining that such commitment has contributed significantly to the growth of the sport.
He said the federation remains focused on bringing Nigeria back to the forefront of African volleyball through improved grassroots development, enhanced league competitions and stronger national team programmes.
Intensive camp opens in Abuja
The invited players will begin residential camping at a secure facility in Abuja as preparations enter their final phase.
The training sessions will take place at the Package B Sports Complex of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where the coaching staff will assess the players’ fitness level, tactical awareness and team chemistry.
Officials said the training program will include physical conditioning, technical drills, tactical sessions and training matches designed to prepare the team for the demands of the continental qualifiers.
It is also expected that the technical group will evaluate combinations in all playing positions before naming the final squad that will travel to Ivory Coast.
Qualification is at stake
The CAVB Africa Nations Cup qualifiers will bring together some of the continent’s strongest volleyball nations competing for a place at the African Nations Cup.
For Nigeria, qualification would represent another important milestone in the federation’s ongoing efforts to revive the country’s fortunes in international volleyball.
The men’s national team has shown signs of steady improvement in recent years, benefiting from increased investment in domestic competitions and youth development initiatives.
A successful qualification campaign would provide the team with the opportunity to regularly compete against leading African volleyball nations, while improving its continental ranking.
The Federation seeks national support
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation has called on volleyball fans, corporate organizations and sports stakeholders to support the men’s national team throughout the qualification campaign.
The federation noted that strong public support would serve as additional motivation for the players as they seek to restore Nigeria’s status among Africa’s elite volleyball nations.
Officials also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting investment in player development, coach education and national competitions as part of broader efforts to reposition volleyball in Nigeria.
With a balanced squad, an experienced technical crew and weeks of intense preparation ahead of them, expectations are high that the men’s national team will deliver a good performance in Abidjan and secure one of the available tickets for the 2026 CAVB Africa Nations Cup.
