By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 26 players to the national team’s high-performance training camp ahead of the 2026 CAVB African Women’s Nations Cup scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5.
The federation announced that the selected players are expected to resume camp on Monday, August 3, at the High Performance Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where preparations for the continental tournament will begin under the supervision of the national coaching crew.
The squad comprises a blend of experienced national team players, top performers from the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League and Nigerian professionals plying their trade abroad, reflecting the federation’s determination to assemble a formidable team capable of challenging for honours in Kenya.
Among the invited players are Rwanda-based outside hitter Ijeoma Ukpabi, Japan-based Mmesomah Okekearu and Aisha Bello, who currently plays for NU Lady Bulldogs in the Philippines. They will join some of the country’s finest domestic talents drawn from clubs such as Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief of Army Staff Spikers, Olalomi Volleyball Club, Vipers and the Nigerian Air Force.
In the setters’ category, Sharon Achi of NSCDC, Enewa Odoh of Vipers and Aisha Umar of Nigeria Customs Service made the list.
The outside hitters include Ijeoma Ukpabi, Happy Wushilang, Ozioma Nwafor, Melody Headman, Mariam Ibrahim, Verity Onyegwu, Deborah Chukwu, Mmesomah Okekearu, Aisha Abdulraheem and Precious Terseer.
For the middle blockers’ position, Deborah Sunday, Joy Owoniyi, Chioma Nwangwu, Sarah Sanda, Ganiyat Lateef and Aisha Bello have been selected, while Kelechi Ndukauba, Albertina Francis and Christiana Paul will occupy the opposite positions.
Jummai Biturs, Bethel Nworie and Miriam Usman complete the squad as liberos.
Leading the technical crew is head coach Elishama Elam, who will be assisted by Segun Abinde, while Sunday Akapson will oversee the setters’ training.
According to the federation, the camping programme is designed to ensure that the team reaches peak physical, tactical and technical condition before the championship begins later this month.
The NVBF expressed confidence in the quality, dedication and experience of both the players and coaching staff, adding that the team possesses the potential to make Nigeria proud at the continental showpiece.
The federation also called on volleyball enthusiasts and Nigerians across the country to rally behind the team as preparations intensify for what promises to be a fiercely contested championship in Nairobi.
