Nigeria Names Squad For 2026 Africa Nations Cup Volleyball Qualifiers
Nigeria Begins Road to Continental Qualification
THE Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has unveiled a squad to begin preparations for the 2026 CAVB Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers, with the men’s national team set to intensify its build-up ahead of the tournament in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The qualifiers will take place from 13 to 23 July, with Nigeria aiming to secure a place at the continental championship and reinforce its growing reputation in African volleyball.
The announcement comes after the conclusion of the first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League and an extensive talent assessment conducted by the federation’s technical crew.
Blend of Local and Overseas Talent
The selected squad features a mix of standout performers from the domestic league alongside experienced foreign-based professionals expected to strengthen the team’s qualification campaign.
Among the setters invited are Bruno Ibeh (COAS), Adeniyi Favour (Customs) and Elisha Anebi (CNS), while the outside hitters include Jaiyeola Abdulquadri, Lucky Palmer, Ogunshina Obayemi, Izuchukwu Oforah, Emmanuel Udah and Anachuna Chukwuemeka.
The list of opposites comprises Vincent Mathias, Oyedepo Dhikirullahi, Armstrong E. Udoka and Okonkwo Kingsley, while the middle blockers are Anele Timothy, Pascal Ozokoye, Mora Jibril, Army Ferdinand and Kazeem Mutiu.
The libero positions will be occupied by Abednego Hassan, Tiamiyu Ismail and Peter Precious.
Technical Crew Expresses Confidence
The team will be led by Head Coach Oladipupo Taiwo Gabriel, assisted by Tswevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu.
Chairman of the NVBF Technical Committee, Prince Tunde Omisore, expressed confidence in the quality of the selected players, describing the squad as one capable of earning qualification for the Africa Nations Cup.
According to him, the technical crew benefited from the high standard displayed during the opening phase of the National Premier Volleyball League, which provided a solid platform for evaluating players.
He also praised Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Engr. Musa Nimrod, for providing the support and leadership that enabled a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Abuja Camp Opens Ahead of Qualifiers
The federation disclosed that the invited players will report to camp in Abuja, where preparations will take place at the Package B Sports Complex before the team’s departure to Côte d’Ivoire.
The NVBF also appealed to volleyball stakeholders and supporters across the country to rally behind the national team as it pursues qualification for the Africa Nations Cup and seeks to enhance Nigeria’s standing on the continental stage.
