Nigeria Unveils 20-Man Squad For 2026 Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria Unveils 20-Man Squad For 2026 Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a 20-player squad to begin preparations for the 2026 CAVB Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 13 to 23, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The squad was unveiled following the conclusion of the first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League and an extensive scouting exercise by the federation's technical crew. The team comprises a blend of standout home-based players and experienced foreign-based professionals expected to spearhead Nigeria's qualification campaign.

Selected Players

Setters

- Bruno Ibeh (COAS)

- Adeniyi Favour (Customs)

- Elisha Anebi (CNS)

Outside Hitters

- Jaiyeola Abdulquadri (Customs)

- Lucky Palmer (Kano Pillars)

- Ogunshina Obayemi (NPF)

- Izuchukwu Oforah (NSCDC)

- Emmanuel Udah (Customs)

- Anachuna Chukwuemeka (NPF)

Opposites

- Vincent Mathias (COAS)

- Oyedepo Dhikirullahi (NSCDC)

- Armstrong E. Udoka (Light Spikers)

- Okonkwo Kingsley (Customs)

Middle Blockers

- Anele Timothy (Customs)

- Pascal Ozokoye (NSCDC)

- Mora Jibril (CNS)

- Army Ferdinand (CNS)

- Kazeem Mutiu (NCS)

Liberos

- Abednego Hassan (Customs)

- Tiamiyu Ismail (Customs)

- Peter Precious (CNS)

The technical crew will be led by Head Coach Oladipupo Taiwo Gabriel, assisted by Tswevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu.

Chairman of the NVBF Technical Committee, Prince Tunde Omisore, expressed confidence in the team's ability to secure qualification for the continental championship.

"The technical crew has assembled a solid team with the right blend of home-based talents and foreign-based professionals. We are confident this team has what it takes to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup. The quality displayed during the first phase of the National Premier Volleyball League provided an excellent platform for player assessment and selection," Omisore said.

He also commended the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engr. Musa Nimrod, for his continued support and leadership, noting that his commitment to the development of volleyball in Nigeria created the enabling environment for a transparent and effective selection process.

According to the federation, the invited players will camp at a secure facility in Abuja, with training sessions scheduled to hold at the Package B Sports Complex as part of preparations for the tournament in Ivory Coast.

The NVBF also appealed to volleyball stakeholders, supporters and Nigerians to rally behind the men's national team as it seeks to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup and strengthen Nigeria's standing on the continental stage.