Japanese volleyball coach, Ryan Masajedi has received ‘baptism of fire’ and a very early charge to hit the ground running with Nigeria’s male and female national teams, as they both head into major continental championships in the coming weeks, Sports247 reports.
READ ALSO: Volleyball Federation Explains Appointment Of Japanese Tactician Ryan Masajedi For Nigeria’s Teams
The charge was handed out to Masajedi by Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) president, Engineer Musa Nimrod on Wednesday, during the official unveiling ceremony for the Japanese tactician at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja.
Nimrod said Masajedi will immediately begin work with the women’s team, as they prepare for the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya, and he will, at the same time, take charge of the men’s squad for the African Nations Championship in Democratic Republic of Congo.
While revealing that Masajedi has a 12 month-contract, which is supported by an agreement with International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Nimrod added that the tactician will also boost the NVBF’s developmental programmes by visiting all six geo-political zones of the country, to spot young talents.
“Coach Ryan Masajedi will immediately join the women’s team in camp, as preparations continue for the 2026 African Nations Championship in Kenya. He will also take charge of the men’s national team for the African Nations Championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“He will also help us drive our developmental programmes by visiting the six geo-political zones to identify talents, work with coaches and contribute to the growth of volleyball across the country.
“His contract is for 12 months, and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation will complement the contract provided by the FIVB,” said Nimrod, after which Masajedi expressed his appreciation to the federation for the opportunity and pledged to bring in his wealth of experience.
Masajedi assured that he will not face any problem working with all of Nigeria’s national teams, from the senior level to the junior categories, as well as help in building a sustainable structure for the sport, as he believes the country can achieve success on the continental and global stages.
“I am honoured by this opportunity to work with Nigeria. I will bring my wealth of experience to all the national teams, from the senior teams to the junior categories, and I will do my best to contribute to the growth of volleyball in the country,” Masajedi assured.
