Elishama Elam, head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s volleyball team, and three others have obtained Level II coaching certificates from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

The coaches, who passed their examinations in The Gambia on Sunday, are Elam, Taiwo Oladipupo, Ayokunnu Aboderin and Dauda Saje.

In a statement, Tunde Omisore, vice-president of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), congratulated the coaches on their achievements, saying it would increase the number of FIVB Level II-certified coaches in Nigeria.

He said the knowledge acquired during the course would strengthen the country’s technical crew and support preparations for the 2027 African Games in Egypt.

“This is a plus for Nigeria’s technical crew, as four coaches, including the head coach of the women’s national team, Elam, and the head coach of the men’s team, Oladipupo, are now FIVB Level II certified coaches,” he said.

He said part of the current NVBF board’s mandate is to ensure the national teams have competent coaches to handle the players.

Omisore added that the newly certified coaches would support the federation’s technical adviser, Ryan Masajedi, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 African Games in Egypt.

Meanwhile, Saje, who also represents players on the NVBF board, emerged as the overall outstanding candidate after recording the highest score in the examination.

(NAN)