Nigeria Unveils Squads for 2026 African Junior Championships

Nigeria Unveils Squads for 2026 African Junior Championships

By Our Reporter 

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 44 players to the national training camp ahead of the 2026 African Junior Volleyball Championships scheduled to take place in Egypt, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The selected athletes comprise 22 players for the U-19 girls' team and 22 for the U-18 boys' team. The players were drawn from clubs competing in the Nigeria Premier Volleyball League, National Division One League and National Division Two League.

According to the federation, the camping programme will commence on Friday, July 10, at the High Performance Centre, where both teams will begin preparations for the continental competition.

The NVBF expressed confidence in the quality of the selected players, noting that they arrive in camp in good competitive shape following the conclusion of the first phase of the 2026 National Volleyball League.

The federation also believes both teams have the potential to secure qualification for the FIVB World Championships, with the technical crew expected to assess the players during the camping exercise before finalising the squads.

Nigeria's U-18 boys' team heads into the championship as one of Africa's most successful youth sides, having won the continental title three consecutive times and represented Africa twice at the FIVB U-19 Boys World Championship.

The U-19 girls' team will also be aiming for a strong outing as Nigeria seeks to reinforce its growing reputation in youth volleyball on the continent.

The federation commended the commitment of players, coaches, clubs and other stakeholders to the growth of volleyball in the country and urged Nigerians to support both teams as they compete for continental honours and World Championship qualification in Egypt.

Invited U-19 Girls

Setters: Theresa Hans-Epang (NAF), Agape Sunday (KADA), Adeyemo Favour (Olalomi), Mertha Anebi (COAS).

Opposites: Grace Ajike (NSCDC), Rosemary Sunday (KADA), Chinaza Magdalena (NAF), Iyolo Omolara Yewande (ACE).

Middle Blockers: Lateef Opeyemi Ganiyat (COAS), Chioma Osuji (KADA), Ewulum Theresa (NSCDC), Adu Atinuke (ACE), Favour Onyema (Excelsior).

Outside Hitters: Abodunrin Barakat Damilola (Vipers), Joy Samuel (Olalomi), Ifechukwu Faustina (Vipers), Chidinma Nnaji (Cotonou, Benin Republic), Jennifer Chisom Akpa (Caliphate), Toyosi Adeyele (Life Camp).

Liberos: Chukwura Chinwe Okwu (Vipers), Elizabeth Joseph (KADA), Omah Chioma (Abia).

Invited U-18 Boys

Setters: Adeniyi O. Favor (NCS), Mohammed Usman (CNS), Balaben Balatowe (NCOS).

Middle Blockers: Emmanuel Ben (Wikki), Daniel Iyaji (Police), Bakare Olamilekan (OVC), Okafor Samuel (UCE), Destiny Uriah (Defence), Nnaji Oluebube Martins (KADA).

Outside Hitters: Dakoru Godwin Wisdom (Rhino), Bilyamimu U. Hassan (Defence), Isaac Agwam (KADA), Emmanuel Stephen (U Lights), Adamu Samuel Majoro (NCOS), Israel Micah (Badama Fire).

Opposites: Sapele Best (Katsina), Kingsley Ebuka O. (NCS), Abolajoko Feranmi (OVC), Peacemaker Victor (LCVC).

Liberos: Abennago Hassan (NCS), Abraham Ige (LCVC), Wasiu Taoreed Adisa (OVC).