Nigeria will face Algeria and Chad in Group C of the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Championship, with the national team targeting a strong start when the continental competition begins in Tunisia on September 15.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria drawn in Group C alongside Algeria and Chad.
- 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Championship begins in Tunisia on September 15.
- The competition will serve as a qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
- Head coach Ryan Masajedi targets qualification for the knockout stage.
- Masajedi warns players against underestimating Algeria or Chad.
- Nigeria last competed in the championship in 2021 and finished seventh in Rwanda.
The championship will also serve as a qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, increasing the stakes for Nigeria and the other participating teams.
Nigeria’s head coach, Ryan Masajedi, said the immediate objective is to secure qualification from the group and advance to the knockout stage.
The Japanese tactician cautioned his players against underestimating Algeria or Chad, stressing that every team at the continental championship would be determined to make an impression.
“The players understand what is at stake, and we’ll approach each game as it comes,” Masajedi said.
“The first task before us is to scale through the group stage and then wait for our opponent in the next round.
“We’ll not underrate any team in our group because they are equally at the championship to make a statement.”
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Masajedi Calls for Support
Masajedi also called on Nigerians to support the national team with prayers as the players begin their campaign in Tunisia.
He said the team would approach the group matches with determination as it seeks to progress to the knockout stage and compete strongly at the continental championship.
Nigeria Returns After 2021 Appearance
Nigeria last featured at the African Men’s Volleyball Championship in 2021, finishing seventh in Rwanda.
The national team secured seventh place after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-0 in the classification match, winning 25-10, 25-20 and 25-22.
Nigeria subsequently missed the 2023 edition of the continental competition.
The 2026 championship therefore provides the Nigerian team with an opportunity to return to the continental stage, compete for honours and pursue its Olympic qualification ambitions. For more updates, follow us on X.
