Nigeria Volleyball Federation unveils Japanese Ryan Masajedi, as new national team coach

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engr Musa Nimrod, has officially unveiled Japanese volleyball coach Ryan Masajedi as the new international coach for Nigeria, describing his appointment as a major step in the federation’s long-term development programme.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Abuja Wednesday, Nimrod disclosed that Masajedi’s engagement was facilitated through the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Development Commission following extensive discussions between the global governing body and the NVBF.

According to the NVBF president, the Japanese tactician will spend 12 months in Nigeria, a significant departure from the conventional three-month coaching support usually provided by the FIVB.

“Normally, FIVB provides international coaches for only three months to prepare teams for major competitions, but after discussions, they agreed to grant Nigeria a 12-month development programme. This is a huge achievement for our federation,” Nimrod said.

He explained that while the FIVB will be responsible for Masajedi’s monthly allowance and his international travel at the beginning and end of the programme, the NVBF will provide accommodation, transportation, logistics and healthcare under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Nimrod described the Japanese coach as one of the highly respected volleyball instructors globally, revealing that Masajedi had worked with top international coaches and played a key role in developing several elite Japanese players, including one of the world’s leading stars.

The NVBF boss stressed that Masajedi’s assignment extends beyond coaching the national teams, noting that his primary responsibility is to drive grassroots and coaching development across the country.

“He has a big developmental role to play. He will work closely with our national coaches, travel around the country where possible and transfer knowledge so that after one year our coaches will be stronger and able to stand on their own,” he added.

Nimrod also disclosed that the federation has issued fresh appointments to national team coaches on renewable 24-month contracts to ensure continuity and maximise the knowledge transfer from the Japanese expert.

He revealed that the federation is also working towards appointing a technical director to sustain its development programmes after the expiration of Masajedi’s contract, similar to the technical structure adopted by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Looking ahead, Nimrod confirmed that Masajedi will be involved with Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming African Nations Cup scheduled for September in Kenya, where officials of the FIVB are also expected to assess the progress of the development programme.

He added that the Japanese coach will serve as technical adviser to the women’s national team while also taking charge of the men’s national team and the U-18 side, working alongside existing Nigerian coaches.

Expressing optimism about the partnership, Nimrod noted that Masajedi had already begun integrating with the Nigerian sporting community, including meeting Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle during a dinner in Abuja.

In his remarks, Masajedi said he was delighted to join Nigeria’s volleyball development project, praising the progress already recorded by the country’s national teams and local coaches.

“It is really a pleasure to be part of this development project. I have seen the results achieved by the junior and senior teams, and I believe Nigeria has many good coaches because of the quality of players they have developed,” he said.

The Japanese coach acknowledged the success of Nigerian players competing professionally overseas, including in Japan; saying their achievements reflected the quality of coaching already available in the country.

“I’m here to become part of that strength, to work together with the coaches, contribute my experience and help move Nigerian volleyball to the next level. I’m excited about what lies ahead,” Masajedi added.

The appointment is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s technical capacity as the NVBF intensifies efforts to build competitive national teams and establish a sustainable coaching development system with the support of the FIVB.