Onikeku backs new NVBF Technical Adviser Masajedi to transform Nigerian volleyball
Head of Sports at the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, has officially welcomed the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF)'s new Technical Adviser and Coach, Ryan Masajedi, expressing confidence that the experienced tactician will play a key role in advancing the sport in Nigeria.
Onikeku, who observed Masajedi's first training session with the national senior women's volleyball team in Abuja, described the coach as a valuable addition to Nigeria's volleyball development programme.
"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," Onikeku said.
He added that Nigeria possesses enormous volleyball talent capable of dominating the continent with the right technical direction.
"Nigeria has an abundance of raw talent, and with the right technical guidance and structure, we can dominate volleyball in Africa," he stated.
Onikeku also urged the players to make the most of the opportunity to learn from the new Technical Adviser by remaining focused, disciplined and committed throughout the training programme.
Also speaking during the visit, board member representing the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), Chinedu Onikeku (OLY), charged the national women's team to maintain discipline and determination as preparations intensify for the 2026 African Nations Women's Championship in Kenya.
The 2003 All Africa Games gold medallist expressed confidence in the team's ability to achieve success on the continental stage.
"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," she said.
Fresh from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Nigeria finished seventh on the medals table, Samuel and Chinedu Onikeku visited the team's training camp on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, to encourage the players and formally welcome Masajedi to his new role as Technical Adviser.
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