Onikeku backs new national technical adviser Masajedi to transform Nigerian volleyball

Onikeku backs new national technical adviser Masajedi to transform Nigerian volleyball

Head of Sports of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Samuel Onikeku, has thrown his weight behind the appointment of Ryan Masajedi as Technical Adviser of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), describing the experienced coach as the right man to take the sport to greater heights.

Onikeku a former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) made the remarks after watching Masajedi oversee his first training session with the senior women's national volleyball team in Abuja, where preparations are underway for the 2026 African Nations Women's Volleyball Championship in Kenya.

According to him, Masajedi's impressive coaching pedigree and international exposure provide Nigeria with a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of volleyball and compete consistently with the continent's best.

"We are pleased to have Coach Ryan Masajedi with us," Onikeku said. "His experience speaks for itself, and we are confident he will strengthen our programme. Nigerian volleyball has enormous potential, and with quality coaching and the right environment, our teams can become a dominant force in Africa."

He also encouraged the players to make the most of the opportunity to work under the new Technical Adviser by maintaining discipline, dedication and a strong desire to improve.

In the same vein, board member representing the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), Chinedu Onikeku (OLY), urged the players to remain united and focused as they intensify preparations for the continental championship.

The former African Games gold medallist said the team possesses the quality needed to challenge for honours, stressing that hard work and commitment would be the key to achieving success.

"Our athletes have the talent to compete with the best in Africa," she said. "If they remain disciplined, committed and continue to work together as a team throughout this camping period, they can make the country proud in Kenya."

Samuel Onikeku and Chinedu Onikeku visited the team's training camp shortly after returning from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Team Nigeria finished seventh on the overall medals table.

The visit served as both a morale booster for the players and an opportunity to formally welcome Masajedi as he begins his assignment with the national team.