Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 African Games have received a boost after four home-based coaches earned Level II qualifications from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
Elishama Elam, head coach of the senior women’s national team, led the Nigerian contingent that successfully completed the examinations in The Gambia on Sunday, October 11.
The other successful candidates were Taiwo Oladipupo, who handles the men’s national team, Ayokunnu Aboderin and Dauda Saje.
Saje, who doubles as the players’ representative on the board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), distinguished himself during the assessment by recording the highest score among the candidates.
The development represents a significant addition to Nigeria’s pool of qualified volleyball coaches as the country looks to strengthen its technical preparations for the 2027 African Games in Egypt.
NVBF Vice President Prince Tunde Omisore, who announced the achievement in a statement, said the certification aligned with the federation’s objective of building a competent technical team for the national sides.
According to Omisore, the newly qualified coaches will support Technical Adviser Ryan Masajedi in his work with the national teams ahead of the continental competition.
He stressed that improving the quality of coaching personnel remained a priority for the current federation board, particularly as Nigeria works towards the next edition of the African Games.
With Elam and Oladipupo now holding FIVB Level II certificates, both the women’s and men’s national teams stand to benefit from the additional technical expertise.
The federation will hope the coaches can translate their newly acquired knowledge into improved preparation, player development and performances when Nigeria competes in Egypt in 2027.
