Two of Nigeria’s leading female volleyball players, SOP Lt. Jummai Bitrus of the Nigerian Navy Team and Achi Nwabuaku Sharon, an indigene of Delta State, have praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) for appointing a foreign technical adviser, describing the move as a major step towards raising the standard of the sport and preparing the national team for international success.
The players also commended the President of the NVBF, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for his determination and commitment in securing the services of world-class Japanese coach Ryan Masajedi despite financial constraints and the challenges involved in bringing him to Nigeria.
They said Nimrod’s unwavering efforts, resilience and sacrifice demonstrated the federation’s commitment to developing volleyball and giving Nigerian players greater exposure to international standards.
The players, who are currently in camp ahead of a major international competition, expressed confidence that the appointment of Coach Masajedi would expose the team to modern coaching methods and global best practices.
Bitrus, who hails from Adamawa State, said the arrival of the foreign coach would complement the efforts of Nigeria’s indigenous coaches and help broaden the players’ technical and tactical understanding of the game.
“We are super excited to have our new coach and technical adviser. He is globally recognised in volleyball with a wealth of experience and achievements. We believe working with him will bring positive results, and we are ready to give him our full support,” she said.
The experienced player noted that although the national coaches have done an excellent job over the years, exposure to a coach from a different volleyball culture would help the team develop new skills and compete at international standards.
“Our coaches are doing great, but having a foreign coach will expose us to more international knowledge, technical skills and professional experience. It will diversify our game and help us improve,” she added.
Bitrus further applauded NVBF President Musa Nimrod for making the appointment possible.
“We appreciate the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for the energy, commitment and sacrifices he has made despite the financial challenges. Bringing a coach of Ryan Masajedi’s calibre to Nigeria shows his passion for the growth of volleyball, and we are grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
Speaking on the team’s preparations, Bitrus described the atmosphere in camp as positive, saying the players are focused on achieving a podium finish.
“So far, everything has been going smoothly in camp. Our target is clear—we want to finish on the podium. Anything less than that is not our expectation,” she said.
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Reflecting on her volleyball journey, Bitrus encouraged young Nigerians to embrace sports as a career, saying it offers opportunities for personal development, employment and international exposure.
“Sports have shaped my life physically, mentally and professionally. It teaches discipline, confidence and sacrifice. I encourage young girls not to be discouraged by stereotypes but to pursue their dreams with determination,” she said.
Also speaking, Delta State-born Achi Nwabuaku Sharon said the appointment of Coach Masajedi would inject fresh ideas into the national team and improve its technical and tactical approach.
“We hope he brings new energy and a different coaching philosophy. Our local coaches are incredible, but his international experience will help us grow technically, tactically and mentally as players,” Sharon said.
She also praised Nimrod for his unwavering commitment to the development of Nigerian volleyball.
“We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Engineer Musa Nimrod. Despite the financial difficulties and the stress involved, he remained committed to ensuring that we have a world-class coach. That shows he believes in the players and wants the best for Nigerian volleyball,” Sharon said.
She added that the team’s preparations had been encouraging, with players giving their best individually and collectively to ensure they are ready for the tournament.
“Our preparation is progressing well. We have been working hard every day as individuals and as a team, and we believe the effort we are putting in will pay off,” she said.
On expectations, Sharon acknowledged that Nigerians expect strong performances from the national team and assured fans that the players are determined to meet those expectations.
“Expectations are always high whenever Nigeria competes, and we hope to live up to them by giving our very best.”
The appointment of Coach Ryan Masajedi is part of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation’s efforts under the leadership of Engineer Musa Nimrod to strengthen the country’s national teams by combining local expertise with international experience as Nigeria prepares for major continental and global competitions.
