NVBF Appoints Japanese Coach Masajedi To Spearhead Nigerian Volleyball Growth!

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has officially unveiled Japanese tactician Ryan Masajedi as the new Technical Adviser for the country’s national volleyball teams. This significant appointment aims to strengthen the national teams and accelerate grassroots development, with Masajedi tasked to lead Nigeria’s quest for continental success and establish a sustainable development structure for the sport.

Masajedi was formally presented on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja. NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, stated that the Japanese coach would immediately commence duties with the senior women’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya. Following this, he will also take charge of the men’s national team ahead of their African Nations Championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Beyond the senior teams, Masajedi’s responsibilities are extensive, focusing on spearheading talent identification and development programmes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He is expected to work closely with local coaches, visiting various regions to identify talent and contribute to the overall growth of volleyball in the country. This approach is intended to strengthen the existing player development system and build upon the progress already achieved by the NVBF.

Engineer Nimrod disclosed that Masajedi’s appointment is for an initial 12-month period, a notable departure from the standard three-month technical support usually provided by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) for countries preparing for major competitions. This extended tenure reflects a deeper commitment to long-term development. The agreement is supported by the FIVB, which will cover the coach’s monthly allowance and international travel at the start and end of his assignment, while the Nigerian federation will provide accommodation and cater for any additional travel during his stay in Nigeria.

Responding to his appointment, Coach Masajedi expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to utilize his extensive experience to improve volleyball in Nigeria. He affirmed his commitment to working with all national teams, from senior to junior categories, and expressed strong confidence in the quality of Nigerian players. Masajedi believes that with proper planning, structure, and preparation, Nigeria possesses the potential to emerge as a major force in both African and international volleyball. He emphasized that his role is to support and strengthen the existing coaching structure, not to replace it, describing his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to an ambitious development project already showing encouraging results.

Nimrod further elaborated that Masajedi’s selection followed months of discussions with the FIVB’s Development Commission. He highlighted Masajedi’s highly experienced background, noting his work with some of the world’s leading volleyball experts, his previous role with Japan’s junior national team, and his key contribution to the development of a world-leading volleyball star. Masajedi is set to begin work immediately, as the federation intensifies preparations for upcoming continental championships and continues to pursue its overarching long-term volleyball development program.