The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has appointed Ryan Masajedi as technical adviser and head coach of the country’s national volleyball teams.
Masajedi was formally presented at a ceremony held yesterday at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Quick facts
- Ryan Masajedi has signed a 12-month contract with the NVBF.
- He will guide the senior women’s team at the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya.
- He will also lead Nigeria’s men at the championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- His wider duties include talent identification across all six geopolitical zones and grassroots development.
NVBF president Engineer Musa Nimrod said the new coach would begin immediately with the senior women’s squad, which is preparing for the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya.
Masajedi will also oversee the men’s national side at the African Nations Championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nimrod added.
“Ryan Masajedi will join the women’s team camp straight away as they prepare for the championship in Kenya, before taking charge of the men’s team for the competition in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Nimrod said.
The federation also expects the coach to contribute beyond the senior national teams. He will travel through Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to find emerging players, collaborate with domestic coaches and reinforce development at grassroots level.
Masajedi’s agreement covers 12 months. Nimrod said the NVBF would provide extra backing alongside the support attached to the arrangement through the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
“His responsibilities will include identifying talent nationwide, supporting coaches and helping to expand our development programmes,” Nimrod said. “The deal lasts one year, with the NVBF supplementing the assistance secured from the FIVB.”
Masajedi thanked the federation for entrusting him with the role and said he would draw on his experience to improve Nigerian volleyball.
“I am honoured to be working with Nigeria. I will apply my experience across every national team, from the senior squads to the junior teams, and help move the sport forward,” he said.
The coach also praised the ability of Nigerian players, arguing that the country can make greater progress in Africa and internationally if its talent is supported by careful planning and sustained development.
