Nigeria Invites 44 Players for 2026 African Junior Volleyball Championships

Posted : 10 July 2026

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 44 players to the national training camp ahead of the 2026 African Junior Volleyball Championships, which will be held in Egypt.

The invitation includes 22 players for the U-19 girls' team and 22 for the U-18 boys' team. The selected athletes were drawn from clubs competing in the Nigeria Premier Volleyball League, National Division One League and National Division Two League.

The camping programme begins on Friday, July 10, at the High Performance Centre, where both teams will begin intensive preparations for the continental tournament. The technical crews will use the training camp to assess the players before naming the final squads for the championships.

The federation expressed confidence in the quality of the invited players, noting that they arrive in camp after competing in the opening phase of the 2026 National Volleyball League. Officials believe the recent domestic competition has kept the players in good condition ahead of the international assignment.

Beyond competing for continental honours, Nigeria will also be targeting qualification for the FIVB World Championships. Strong performances in Egypt would strengthen the country's growing reputation in youth volleyball and provide another opportunity for its young talents to compete on the global stage.

The U-18 boys' team enters the championship with an impressive record. Nigeria has won the African title three consecutive times and has represented the continent twice at the FIVB U-19 Boys World Championship. The team will be aiming to extend that dominance against the best young sides in Africa.

The U-19 girls will also be looking to make a strong impression in Egypt. The squad combines players from leading clubs across the country and includes several athletes who have impressed during the domestic league season.

Among the invited girls are setters Theresa Hans-Epang, Agape Sunday, Adeyemo Favour and Mertha Anebi. Other notable selections include opposites Grace Ajike and Chinaza Magdalena, middle blockers Chioma Osuji and Lateef Opeyemi Ganiyat, outside hitters Chidinma Nnaji and Jennifer Chisom Akpa, as well as liberos Chinwe Okwu and Elizabeth Joseph.

The boys' squad features setters Adeniyi O. Favor, Mohammed Usman and Balaben Balatowe. Other invitees include middle blockers Emmanuel Ben and Daniel Iyaji, outside hitters Dakoru Godwin Wisdom and Isaac Agwam, opposites Sapele Best and Kingsley Ebuka, alongside liberos Abennago Hassan, Abraham Ige and Wasiu Taoreed Adisa.

The NVBF also commended the commitment of coaches, clubs and other stakeholders to the continued development of volleyball in Nigeria. The federation called on Nigerians to support both teams as they pursue continental success and qualification for the FIVB World Championships.

Nigeria Invites 44 Players for 2026 African Junior Volleyball Championships

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics