By Paul Joseph
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has on Monday announced a 26-player provisional squad for the national team’s training camp ahead of the 2026 CAVB African Women’s Nations Cup, set to hold in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5.
The squad features a mix of experienced internationals, outstanding performers from the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League and Nigerian professionals plying their trade overseas, reflecting the federation’s determination to assemble a formidable team for the continental championship.
In a statement, the NVBF directed all invited players to report to the High Performance Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday, August 3, where preparations for the tournament will officially commence.
The national team will be led by Head Coach Elishama Elam, with Segun Abinde serving as Assistant Coach and Sunday Akapson taking charge of setters’ development during the camping exercise.
According to the federation, the intensive training programme is aimed at sharpening the team’s physical conditioning, tactical awareness and technical efficiency ahead of the championship in Kenya.
The invited players include setters Sharon Achi, Enewa Odoh and Aisha Umar. The outside hitters are Ijeoma Ukpabi, Happy Wushilang, Ozioma Nwafor, Melody Headman, Mariam Ibrahim, Verity Onyegwu, Deborah Chukwu, Mmesomah Okekearu, Aisha Abdulraheem and Precious Terseer.
The middle blockers selected are Deborah Sunday, Joy Owoniyi, Chioma Nwangwu, Sarah Sanda, Ganiyat Lateef and Aisha Bello, while Kelechi Ndukauba, Albertina Francis and Christiana Paul have been listed as opposite hitters.
The libero positions will be filled by Jummai Biturs, Bethel Nworie and Miriam Usman.
The NVBF expressed confidence that the invited athletes possess the quality, discipline and determination required to compete successfully against Africa’s top volleyball nations.
The federation also appealed to volleyball enthusiasts and Nigerians nationwide to rally behind the women’s national team as they begin preparations for another campaign aimed at achieving continental success.
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