The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed confidence that the appointment of Ryan Masajedi as Technical Adviser to the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) will boost the country’s ambitions of becoming a dominant force in African volleyball.
Head of Sports at the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, gave the assurance after observing Masajedi’s first training session with the national senior women’s volleyball team in Abuja.
He said the experienced coach brings valuable international expertise that will help improve the technical standards of Nigerian volleyball and accelerate the development of the national teams.
“We are delighted to welcome Coach Ryan Masajedi to Nigeria. He has a wealth of experience and we believe he will add great value to our volleyball programme.
“Nigeria has an abundance of raw talent, and with the right technical guidance and structure, we can dominate volleyball in Africa.”
Onikeku urged the players to embrace the opportunity to learn from the new Technical Adviser and remain committed as preparations intensify for the 2026 African Women’s Volleyball Championship in Kenya.
Also speaking during the visit, board member representing the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), Chinedu Onikeku, challenged the players to remain disciplined and focused throughout the camping programme.
The 2003 All Africa Games gold medallist said the team possesses the quality to achieve success on the continental stage if it maintains unity and dedication.
“The players must remain diligent, disciplined and committed throughout the camping period. They have the talent to make a huge impact at the African Nations Championship in Kenya, and I believe they can achieve something special if they work together as a team.”
The visit to the team’s Abuja training camp came shortly after Samuel Onikeku and Chinedu Onikeku returned from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Nigeria finished seventh on the medals table. The visit also formally introduced Masajedi to the players as preparations continue for the continental championship.
Masajedi is expected to lead the technical development of the women’s national team, with the immediate focus on building a competitive squad capable of challenging Africa’s leading volleyball nations at the championship in Kenya
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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