Masajedi backs Nigeria’s volleyball talent for 2026 African title

Nigeria technical adviser Ryan Masajedi believes the country has enough talent to compete strongly at the 2026 African Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship. The Nairobi tournament runs from August 23 to September 5 and will feature 16 women’s national teams.

The Japanese coach, appointed by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation earlier this month, has begun working with the senior women’s team as preparations continue. He has been encouraged by the players’ athletic ability and overall potential, but says technical basics and positional discipline must improve.

Masajedi’s early sessions have focused on making each player’s responsibilities clear according to her position. He considers that work central to converting Nigeria’s physical strengths and individual ability into a more effective team. The players’ response during the opening period of preparation has also pleased him.

The 47-year-old brings experience from coaching assignments in Japan, Iran, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Italy. He was also an assistant coach at Allianz Milano before taking up the Nigeria role. His appointment is intended to support the national teams beyond the immediate women’s championship campaign.

Federation president Musa Nimrod said Masajedi will also lead preparations for Nigeria’s men’s team ahead of the African Nations Championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The adviser has additionally been tasked with visiting the country’s six geopolitical zones, helping identify young players and working with local coaches.

Nigeria will face a field that includes defending champions Kenya, as well as Egypt, Cameroon, Rwanda, Algeria, Morocco and Uganda. The Nairobi championship carries significance beyond the continental title because it contributes to qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship. The African champion will receive an Olympic quota, while leading eligible teams can qualify for the world tournament.

Masajedi’s immediate task is therefore to sharpen Nigeria’s fundamentals before the championship begins. He believes the squad already possesses the raw ability required, with the focus now on developing that talent into performances against Africa’s strongest teams.