The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a 20-player roster to prepare for the 2026 CAVB Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers. The tournament takes place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 13 to 23, 2026.
In the wake of a successful first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League and a rigorous scouting process, the NVBF coaching staff selected a well-rounded squad. This team includes some of Nigeria’s top talents and experienced foreign-based players, aiming to secure a spot in the upcoming tournament.
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Selected Players
Setters:
– Bruno Ibeh (COAS)
– Adeniyi Favour (Customs)
– Elisha Anebi (CNS)
Outside Hitters:
– Jaiyeola Abdulquadri (Customs)
– Lucky Palmer (Kano Pillars)
– Ogunshina Obayemi (NPF)
– Izuchukwu Oforah (NSCDC)
– Emmanuel Udah (Customs)
– Anachuna Chukwuemeka (NPF)
Opposites:
– Vincent Mathias (COAS)
– Oyedepo Dhikirullahi (NSCDC)
– Armstrong E. Udoka (Light Spikers)
– Okonkwo Kingsley (Customs)
Middle Blockers:
– Anele Timothy (Customs)
– Pascal Ozokoye (NSCDC)
– Mora Jibril (CNS)
– Army Ferdinand (CNS)
– Kazeem Mutiu (NCS)
Liberos:
– Abednego Hassan (Customs)
– Tiamiyu Ismail (Customs)
– Peter Precious (CNS)
Head Coach Oladipupo Taiwo Gabriel leads the technical crew, supported by assistant coaches Tswevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu.
Confidence in the Squad
Chairman of the Technical Committee, Prince Tunde Omisore, expressed strong belief in the team’s potential.
“The technical crew has assembled a solid team with the right blend of home-based talents and foreign-based professionals,” he stated.
Omisore emphasized that the quality displayed during the National Premier Volleyball League provided an excellent foundation for player evaluation and selection.
He also thanked Engr. Musa Nimrod, President of the NVBF, for his unwavering support and vision, which facilitated the selection process.
“The National Premier Volleyball League offered an outstanding platform to identify the best players for national duty,” Omisore added.
Intensive Preparations Ahead
The chosen players will train at a secure facility in Abuja, focusing on intensive preparations at the Package B Sports Complex. This training will set the stage for their departure to Ivory Coast.
The NVBF urges volleyball stakeholders, fans, and all Nigerians to support the men’s national team as they strive for qualification and aim to restore Nigeria’s prominence in African volleyball.
