By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 22 players to camp ahead of the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship in Tunis, Tunisia.
The continental championship, initially scheduled for the Democratic Republic of Congo, will now take place in Tunisia from September 13 to 27.
Four foreign-based players Arinze Nwachukwu, Vincent Mathias, Pascal Okoye and Izuchukwu Oforah headline the squad, with the remaining 18 players selected from the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.
The invited players comprise four setters, five middle blockers, six outside hitters, four opposites and three liberos.
The national team will be coached by Japanese tactician Ryan Masajedi, assisted by Taiwo Oladipupo, Tswevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu.
Technical Chairman of the NVBF Board, Prince Tunde Omisore, expressed confidence in Masajedi’s ability to bring his experience to bear on the team’s preparations and campaign.
According to Omisore, camping will commence on Saturday, August 22, immediately after the departure of the women’s national team for the 2026 African Championship in Kenya.
Full squad:
Setters: Bruno Ibeh, Favour Adeniyi, Elisha Anebi, Emmanuel Oko.
Middle Blockers: Timothy Anele, Pascal Okoye, Jubril Mora, Kazeem Mutiu, Ferdinand Army.
Outside Hitters: Abdulquadri Jaiyeola, Obayemi Ogunshina, Izuchukwu Oforah, Emmanuel Udah, Chukwuemeka Anachuna, Lucky Faruk.
Opposites: Vincent Mathias, Armstrong Eozofor, Arinze Nwachukwu, Ebuka Okonkwo.
Liberos: Abednego Hassan, Ismail Tiamiyu, Precious Peter.
