By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has unveiled experienced coach Ryan Masajedi as the new Technical Adviser for the country’s national volleyball teams, with the mandate to strengthen both the senior teams and grassroots development programmes.
Masajedi was officially presented on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja, where the President of the federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, announced that the foreign tactician would immediately begin work with the women’s national team ahead of the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya.
According to Nimrod, Masajedi will also oversee the men’s national team as preparations intensify for the continental championship scheduled to hold in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Coach Ryan Masajedi will immediately join the national women’s team in camp as preparations continue for the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya. He will also take charge of the men’s national team for the African Nations Championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Nimrod said.
Beyond his responsibilities with the national teams, the federation president revealed that Masajedi will spearhead talent identification and developmental initiatives across the country by visiting the six geopolitical zones to work with local coaches and discover young players.
Nimrod disclosed that the coach’s appointment will run for an initial period of 12 months, with the federation complementing the support package provided by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
“He will help us drive our developmental programmes by visiting the six geopolitical zones to identify talents, work with coaches and contribute to the growth of volleyball across the country. His contract is for 12 months, and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation will complement the contract provided by the FIVB,” he added.
Speaking after his unveiling, Masajedi expressed gratitude to the federation for the opportunity and pledged to deploy his vast experience towards the growth of volleyball in Nigeria.
The new Technical Adviser promised to work across all levels of the national teams, from the senior sides to the junior categories, while helping to establish a sustainable development structure for the sport.
“I am honoured by this opportunity to work with Nigeria. I will bring my wealth of experience to all the national teams, from the senior teams to the junior categories, and I will do my best to contribute to the growth of volleyball in the country,” Masajedi said.
He also praised the quality and potential of Nigerian players, expressing confidence that with proper planning and structure, the country can achieve greater success on the continental and global stage.
