Nigeria’s volleyball community has welcomed Ryan Masajedi’s appointment as the national senior women’s team’s new technical adviser and coach, with Nigeria Customs Service officials, federation board members and players expressing confidence in the move.
Masajedi receives backing
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Samuel Onikeku, head of sports at the Nigeria Customs Service, received Masajedi in Abuja after watching the coach oversee his first training session with the senior women’s squad.
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Onikeku said Masajedi’s extensive background could bring significant benefits to the country’s volleyball programme. He also argued that Nigeria possesses enough natural ability to become a leading force in African volleyball if it receives stronger technical direction and organisation.
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Players SOP Lt. Jummai Bitrus and Achi Nwabuaku Sharon described the appointment as an important development for the sport. Both players praised Nigeria Volleyball Federation president Engineer Musa Nimrod for completing the deal despite financial and logistical obstacles.
Bitrus said the squad was thrilled to begin working with a coach whose international reputation includes considerable experience and success. She added that Masajedi’s arrival reflected Nimrod’s commitment to advancing volleyball in Nigeria and gave the players a valuable opportunity to learn.
Sharon believes the new coach can improve the team’s technical and tactical preparation before the 2026 African Nations Women’s Championship in Kenya. While praising the quality of Nigeria’s domestic coaches, she said Masajedi’s international knowledge should also aid the players’ mental development.
Chinedu Onikeku, an AFFAN board member and a 2003 All Africa Games gold medallist, called on the team to maintain high standards throughout its training camp. She urged the players to show diligence, discipline and commitment, saying collective effort could lead to a special achievement.
Target set for Kenya
Bitrus said the team’s ambition is to secure a podium place at the continental championship. Samuel Onikeku and Chinedu Onikeku visited the camp on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, after returning from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Nigeria ended the event seventh in the medals table.
