Japanese Coach Masajedi Targets Long-Term Growth Of Nigerian Volleyball

Newly appointed Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s national volleyball teams, Ryan Masajedi, has pledged to work closely with local coaches to strengthen the country’s player development system and build on the progress already made by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF).

The Japanese tactician made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja shortly after he was unveiled by the NVBF at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B.

Masajedi described his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to an ambitious development project that has already produced encouraging results at both junior and senior levels.

“It is really a pleasure to be part of this development project,” he said. “I am happy to be here and to work with these great coaches. I believe Nigeria has many good coaches, and that is evident in the results they have achieved and the quality of players they have produced.”

The experienced coach praised Nigerian coaches for nurturing players who have gone on to excel abroad, including in Japan, saying their achievements reflected the strength of the country’s coaching structure.

He stressed that his role was not to replace the work already being done but to support and strengthen it.

“I am here to be part of this strength and to help carry it forward. I am excited about the development of volleyball in Nigeria and what we can achieve together,” Masajedi added.

Earlier, NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, said Masajedi’s appointment followed months of discussions with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), which approved the deployment of the Japanese coach under its Development Commission programme.

Nimrod described Masajedi as a highly experienced coach who has worked with some of the world’s leading volleyball experts and previously handled Japan’s junior national team.

He also revealed that the coach played a key role in the development of one of the world’s leading volleyball stars.

According to the NVBF president, Masajedi will serve on an initial 12-month contract, a significant departure from the standard three-month technical support usually provided by the FIVB for countries preparing for major competitions.

He explained that under the agreement, the FIVB would pay the coach’s monthly allowance and international travel at the start and end of his assignment, while the NVBF would provide accommodation and cater for any additional travel during his stay in Nigeria.

Masajedi is expected to begin work immediately with Nigeria’s national teams as the federation intensifies preparations for upcoming continental championships while pursuing its long-term volleyball development programme.