Volleyball: Nigeria Rout Chad 3-0, Turn Attention To Algeria
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
Straight-Set Victory in Tunisia
NIGERIA made a powerful start to their 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship campaign, defeating Chad 3-0 in Tunisia on Wednesday.
The Zone 3 champions needed only three sets to settle the opening fixture, winning 25-17, 25-17 and 25-6.
The result gives Nigeria an early boost as they pursue continental success while also targeting qualification for the 2027 FIVB World Championship and the African ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Comfortable Opening Sets
Nigeria quickly took control of the match and never allowed Chad to establish sustained pressure.
The Nigerians secured the first set 25-17 after controlling the early exchanges and maintaining their advantage through the closing stages.
The second set produced an identical score-line.
Nigeria continued to apply pressure while keeping their structure and tactical discipline.
Chad offered little resistance in the third set, however, as Nigeria completely took over the contest.
The West Africans raced to a 25-6 victory to seal the match without dropping a set.
Coach Credits Tactical Discipline
Masajedi was pleased with the players’ response to the team’s tactical instructions.
The coach said the result demonstrated the effectiveness of the preparations leading into the championship.
“They executed the game plan, and we had no issues beating Chad in our first match,” he said.
However, he quickly shifted attention towards the next challenge.
The coach warned that Nigeria could not afford to relax after the opening victory, particularly with Algeria awaiting them in their next Group-stage fixture.
Group Leadership in Focus
Masajedi said Nigeria must maintain their concentration because topping the group could lead to a more favourable pairing in the next phase.
That makes the Algeria fixture particularly important.
While the victory over Chad provides Nigeria with confidence, Algeria is expected to offer a stronger test of the team’s readiness for the later stages of the championship.
Nigeria will need to reproduce its attacking efficiency while maintaining the defensive organisation that helped secure the opening win.
Olympic Ambitions
The campaign carries significance beyond the African championship.
Nigeria are also targeting a place at the 2027 FIVB World Championship and the sole African qualification ticket for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Those ambitions place greater importance on every stage of the team’s continental campaign.
Masajedi has consequently urged the players to remain focused rather than become carried away by their opening result.
He also thanked Nigerians for their support from home and called for continued encouragement as the team pursues its objectives in Tunisia.
Nigeria have now made the desired start. The next challenge is to maintain that momentum against Algeria and turn the convincing opening victory into a sustained championship campaign.
