- By Maxwell Kumoye
Head coach of Nigeria’s men’s volleyball team, Taiwo Oladipupo, has expressed confidence that the country can finish on the podium at the 2026 African Nations Cup in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, provided the team receives adequate preparation.
Oladipupo spoke after Nigeria secured qualification for the continental championship at the Chttps://cavb.africa/cavb-zone-3-an-ambitious-2025-program/ Zone 3 qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, saying the team’s performances have reinforced his belief that they can compete with Africa’s best.
The coach stressed that proper preparation, including international friendly matches and a training tour, would be vital to Nigeria’s medal aspirations in September.
“With good preparation, I believe we are set to finish on the podium, and that is why I am optimistic that we will make Nigeria proud,” Oladipupo said.
Reflecting on the quality of opposition at the qualifiers, the coach described the tournament as highly competitive, noting that every participating nation arrived with the ambition of winning.
“On the level of competitiveness with the other teams we have played so far, I must say that everyone here in Abidjan came with one target, to win. No team came here to take it easy or to merely participate. Every country brought its best.”
“But at the end of the day, only the best emerged as the winner, and that is what we are working hard to achieve.” He added.
Oladipupo also appealed to CAVB Zone 3 for continued support as the team intensifies preparations for the African Nations Cup.
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“What we expect from CAVB Zone 3 is maximum cooperation and continued prayers for us.”
“We also need some friendly matches, and if possible, a training tour. That will help us improve the team’s performance. I believe strongly in that.” The coach stated.
Nigeria will now turn its attention to the African Nations Cup in Kinshasa, where the team hopes to translate its successful qualification campaign into a podium finish on the continental stage and a ticket to the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles.
Nigeria along with Ghana will represent CAVB Zone 3 at the Men’s African Nations Cup finals in DR Congo come September while Nigeria, Ghana and Burkina Faso are flying the Zone’s flag in Kenya in August for the Women’s volleyball AFCON.
Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, explained that the men’s team will go into camp next month ahead of the AFCON finals.
