The head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s volleyball team, Elishama Elam, has joined three other Nigerian coaches in obtaining their International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Level II coaching certificates.

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) announced the achievement in a statement signed by its Vice President, Prince Tunde Omisore, confirming that Elam, Taiwo Oladipupo, Ayokunnu Aboderin and Dauda Saje passed their examinations in The Gambia on Sunday, October 11.

Omisore congratulated the coaches on their success, noting that their achievement would increase the number of FIVB Level II-certified coaches in Nigeria and strengthen the country’s technical capacity.

He added that the knowledge acquired during the course would enhance the work of the national teams’ technical crews as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 African Games in Egypt.

“This is a plus for Nigeria’s technical crew, as four coaches, including the head coach of the women’s national team, Elishama Elam, and the head coach of the men’s team, Taiwo Oladipupo, are now FIVB Level II-certified coaches,” Omisore said.

“Part of the mandate of the current board is to ensure that the national teams have competent coaches to handle the players.

“The coaches will assist the Technical Adviser, Ryan Masajedi, in discharging his duties as the country prepares for the 2027 African Games in Egypt.”

The federation’s leadership views the development as part of its efforts to improve coaching standards and ensure that Nigeria’s national teams benefit from qualified technical personnel.

Meanwhile, Saje, who also represents players on the NVBF board, emerged as the overall outstanding candidate in the course after recording the highest score in the examination.

His performance further highlighted Nigeria’s representation among the successful candidates and the growing technical expertise within the country’s volleyball community.