Nigeria’s 12-player Squad Departs to Kenya for 2026 CAVB

Nigeria’s 12- player squad will depart for Kenya on Saturday to participate in the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship, scheduled for Aug. 23 to Sept. 5 in Nairobi, Kenya.
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 of camping,” he said.
“I pray that 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 with 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 nations, 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.