Nigeria Begins Preparations For 2026 Women's Nations Cup with 26-Player Camp

Nigeria Begins Preparations For 2026 Women's Nations Cup with 26-Player Camp

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 26 players to the national team's high-performance training camp ahead of the 2026 CAVB African Women's Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The invited squad features a blend of experienced internationals, standout performers from the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, and Nigerian professionals based overseas, reflecting the Federation's determination to assemble a competitive team for the continental championship.

The players are expected to report to camp on Monday, August 3, at the High Performance Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where preparations will begin under the supervision of the national coaching crew.

Invited Players

Setters

- Sharon Achi (NSCDC)

- Enewa Odoh (Vipers)

- Aisha Umar (NCS)

Outside Hitters

- Ijeoma Ukpabi (RRA Rwanda)

- Happy Wushilang (NSCDC)

- Ozioma Nwafor (CNS)

- Melody Headman (Olalomi)

- Mariam Ibrahim (NCS)

- Verity Onyegwu (NCS)

- Deborah Chukwu (COAS)

- Mmesomah Okekearu (Kanoa Laulea's Fukuoka, Japan)

- Aisha Abdulraheem (NCS)

- Precious Terseer (NCS)

Middle Blockers

- Deborah Sunday (COAS)

- Joy Owoniyi (Vipers)

- Chioma Nwangwu (Olalomi)

- Sarah Sanda (NAF)

- Ganiyat Lateef (COAS)

- Aisha Bello (NU Lady Bulldogs, Philippines)

Opposites

- Kelechi Ndukauba (NCS)

- Albertina Francis (NSCDC)

- Christiana Paul (COAS)

Liberos

- Jummai Bitrus (CNS)

- Bethel Nworie (NCS)

- Miriam Usman (NCS)

Technical Crew

- Elishama Elam – Head Coach

- Segun Abinde – Assistant Coach I

- Sunday Akapson – Setters Trainer

The Federation said the camping programme is designed to ensure the team achieves optimum physical, tactical and technical readiness ahead of the championship, where Nigeria will compete against Africa's top women's volleyball nations.

According to the NVBF, the selected players were chosen based on recent performances, experience and their potential to contribute to the team's campaign in Nairobi.

The Federation expressed confidence in the quality of the squad and technical crew, noting that the combination of home-based talents and overseas professionals provides a strong foundation for a successful outing at the championship.

The NVBF also urged all invited players and officials to report to camp as scheduled while calling on volleyball enthusiasts and Nigerians across the country to rally behind the national team as it begins its quest for continental success.