Nigeria’s New Volleyball Coach, Ryan Masajedi Eyes Continental Breakthrough

By Saheed Afolabi

Newly unveiled Technical Adviser Ryan Masajedi has pledged to harness Nigeria’s abundant volleyball talent and build a lasting development pathway after being formally presented by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Masajedi said he felt honoured by the opportunity and was ready to put his experience to work across every level of the national set-up.

“I am honoured by this opportunity to work with Nigeria. I will bring my wealth of experience to all the national teams, from the senior teams to the junior categories, and I will do my best to contribute to the growth of volleyball in the country,” he said.

Masajedi will begin work immediately with the national women’s team as they prepare for the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya. He will later assume responsibility for the men’s national team ahead of their continental campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Beyond the senior sides, the coach has committed to a hands-on role in grassroots development.

Under the terms of his 12-month contract supported by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and complemented by the NVBF, he will visit all six geopolitical zones to identify promising young players, work with local coaches, and help strengthen the sport’s foundation nationwide.

Masajedi expressed strong belief in the quality of Nigerian volleyballers, noting that the country already possesses players with enormous potential with the right structures and preparation

He further said, Nigeria is capable of achieving greater success on both the continental and international stages.

NVBF President Engineer Musa Nimrod welcomed the appointment, confirming that Masajedi’s dual focus on immediate competitive targets and long-term talent development aligns with the federation’s ambitions for the sport.