2026 CAVB: Nigeria’s 12-player squad departs to Kenya
Volleyball
By Abdulrahman Yahaya
Abuja, Aug. 22, 2026 (NAN) Nigeria’s 12- player squad will depart for Kenya on Saturday to participate at the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, scheduled for Aug. 23 to Sept. 5 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN) reports that the team of 12 female volleyball players and their coaches were officially sent off by the Nigerian Volleyball Federation on Friday in Abuja.
In his address to the players, DCP Stephen Hasso, Chairman Nigerian Beach volleyball Commission, urged the players to be good ambassadors of the country.
“You were chosen from among many players to represent Nigeria and I believe you will be good ambassadors. You are lucky to be the first Volleyball team of this country to have a foreign technical adviser to train you throughout your three weeks camping,” he said.
“I pray when you go there you will exhibit what he taught you here. Listen to your coaches. Play to your coaches’ instructions. I have watched your training and I am really impressed with what I have seen. I believe you are equal to the task and you will come back successful,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the players, Captain Ijeoma Ukpabi said the team have worked hard enough to achieve success in Kenya.
“I believe we have worked hard enough to go far in the tournament. We have sacrificed time and energy and I am sure it will not be a waste. As a team, we promise we will stay and stand strong no matter the opponents we face, ” Ukpabi said.
“We have worked together as a team and as a family, so we are going to prove to ourselves that there was no time wasted and no effort lost,” she added.
Head coach Elishama Elam said he and his staff worked very well on the players and that he is confident of getting good results.
“We started with the basic things. We worked on their techniques. We cared about the players physically, and about injuries and technical aspects, which is the most fundamental. And I am happy with what we have going into the tournament. I am sure we will have good results,” the coach said.
Featuring 16 nation, the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship is a qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
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