Nigeria Opens Camp with 26 Players for 2026 African Women's Nations Cup

Posted : 03 August 2026

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has named a 26-player squad for the national team's high-performance training camp ahead of the 2026 CAVB African Women's Nations Cup.

The continental championship will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5, with Nigeria aiming to challenge Africa's top women's volleyball nations.

The invited players began reporting to camp on Monday, August 3, at the High Performance Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Preparations will be overseen by the national coaching crew as the team intensifies its build-up to the competition.

The squad combines experienced internationals, standout performers from the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League and Nigerian professionals playing abroad. The Federation believes the blend of local and overseas-based players will strengthen Nigeria's chances of making a strong impression in Nairobi.

Among the invited setters are Sharon Achi, Enewa Odoh and Aisha Umar. The outside hitters include Rwanda-based Ijeoma Ukpabi, Japan-based Mmesomah Okekearu, Happy Wushilang, Ozioma Nwafor, Melody Headman, Mariam Ibrahim, Verity Onyegwu, Deborah Chukwu, Aisha Abdulraheem and Precious Terseer.

The middle blockers selected for camp are Deborah Sunday, Joy Owoniyi, Chioma Nwangwu, Sarah Sanda, Ganiyat Lateef and Philippines-based Aisha Bello. Kelechi Ndukauba, Albertina Francis and Christiana Paul have been invited as opposites, while Jummai Bitrus, Bethel Nworie and Miriam Usman complete the squad as liberos.

Head coach Elishama Elam will lead the technical crew during the training programme. He will be assisted by Segun Abinde, while Sunday Akapson will serve as the team's setters trainer.

According to the NVBF, the selection process was based on recent performances, experience and each player's ability to contribute to the team's objectives at the championship. The Federation also stated that the training camp is designed to improve the players' physical fitness, technical quality and tactical understanding before the tournament begins.

Nigeria will face some of the continent's strongest volleyball nations during the competition, making the preparation period crucial for the team's ambitions.

The Federation expressed confidence in both the playing squad and coaching staff, insisting the combination of experienced campaigners and emerging talents provides a solid platform for success. It also urged all invited players and officials to report to camp as scheduled while encouraging Nigerians to support the team throughout its campaign in Kenya.

Nigeria Opens Camp with 26 Players for 2026 African Women's Nations Cup

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