The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 44 of the country’s most promising young players to national training camps ahead of the 2026 African Junior Volleyball Championships scheduled to hold in Egypt, as preparations intensify for the continental qualification tournament.
The federation announced on Thursday that 22 players have been selected for the U-19 Girls team, while another 22 players will form the U-18 Boys squad. The athletes were picked from clubs competing in the Nigeria Premier Volleyball League, National Division One League and National Division Two League.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, Godspower Avwerosuoghene Odedede, the national camping programme will commence on Friday, July 10, at the High Performance Centre, where both teams will begin intensive preparations for the championship.
The federation said the invited players earned their call-ups following impressive performances during the recently concluded first phase of the 2026 National Volleyball League, expressing confidence that they are in excellent competitive condition ahead of the continental event.
“The technical crew is optimistic that both teams will secure qualification tickets to the FIVB World Championships,” the statement noted.
The NVBF also expressed confidence that Nigeria’s U-18 Boys team can continue its dominance on the continent. The team heads into the championship as three-time defending African champions, having won the continental title on three consecutive occasions and represented Africa twice at the FIVB U-19 Boys World Championship.
The federation believes the current crop of players possesses the quality, determination and competitive experience required to extend that remarkable record, while expressing optimism that the U-19 Girls team also has the talent to challenge for honours and earn qualification to the global championship.
Among those invited to the U-19 Girls camp are setters Theresa Hans-Epang (NAF), Agape Sunday (KADA), Adeyemo Favour (Olalomi) and Mertha Anebi (COAS); opposites Grace Ajike (NSCDC), Rosemary Sunday (KADA), Chinaza Magdalena (NAF) and Iyolo Omolara Yewande (ACE); middle blockers Lateef Opeyemi Ganiyat (COAS), Chioma Osuji (KADA), Ewulum Theresa (NSCDC), Adu Atinuke (ACE) and Favour Onyema (Excelsior).
Also selected are outside hitters Abodunrin Barakat Damilola (Vipers), Joy Samuel (Olalomi), Ifechukwu Faustina (Vipers), Chidinma Nnaji (Cotonou, Benin Republic), Jennifer Chisom Akpa (Caliphate) and Toyosi Adeyele (Life Camp), as well as liberos Chukwura Chinwe Okwu (Vipers), Elizabeth Joseph (KADA) and Omah Chioma (Abia).
The U-18 Boys squad includes setters Adeniyi O. Favor (NCS), Mohammed Usman (CNS) and Balaben Balatowe (NCOS); middle blockers Emmanuel Ben (Wikki), Daniel Iyaji (Police), Bakare Olamilekan (OVC), Okafor Samuel (UCE), Destiny Uriah (Defence) and Nnaji Oluebube Martins (Kada).
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The list also features outside hitters Dakoru Godwin Wisdom (Rhino), Bilyamimu U. Hassan (Defence), Isaac Agwam (Kada), Emmanuel Stephen (U Lights), Adamu Samuel Majoro (NCOS) and Israel Micah (Badama Fire); opposites Sapele Best (Katsina), Kingsley Ebuka O. (NCS), Abolajoko Feranmi (OVC) and Peacemaker Victor (LCVC); alongside liberos Abennago Hassan (NCS), Abraham Ige (LCVC) and Wasiu Taoreed Adisa (OVC).
The federation thanked players, coaches, clubs and stakeholders for their continued commitment to the development of volleyball in Nigeria and appealed to Nigerians to rally behind both teams as they seek to make the country proud in Egypt.
The African Junior Volleyball Championships will serve as the qualification tournament for the FIVB age-grade World Championships, with Nigeria hoping to secure places in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions. The NVBF also wished the athletes and technical crews a successful camping exercise and a rewarding outing at the continental championship.
