The head coach of Nigeria’s men’s volleyball national team, Taiwo Oladipupo has disclosed that the squad needs some international matches and a foreing tour to properly expose the players ahead of their outing at this year’s continental championship in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sports247 reports that Coach Oladipupo made the disclosure while unfolding his plans for the team’s outing at the 2026 African Volleyball Nations Cup, which he believes his squad can clinch and return home as champions of the continent.
However, while expressing a high level of confidence in the team’s ability to emerge as champions of Africa, Oladipupo stressed that their success in Kinshasa would largely depend on if they get adequate preparation through the gracious support of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF).
He reasoned further that the team’s sterling performances at the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they picked a ticket to the continental championship, boosted his confidence that they can successfully withstand the continent’s best sides.
Oladipupo added, “With good preparation, I believe we are set to finish on the podium. That is why I am optimistic that we will make Nigeria proud. On the level of competitiveness with the other teams we have played so far, I must say that everyone in Abidjan came with one target … to win.
“No team came to take it easy or to merely participate. Every country brought its best. What we expect from CAVB Zone 3 is maximum cooperation and prayers for us. We also need friendly matches, and if possible, a training tour. That will help us improve the team’s performance.”
Sports247 gathered further that Nigeria and Ghana will represent CAVB Zone 3 at the men’s continental contest in DR Congo come September, with a slot to the 2028 Olympics on offer; while Nigeria, Ghana and Burkina Faso will also represent the zone at the women’s version in Kenya next month.
