The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 19 players to camp in preparation for the 2023 African Women’s Senior Volleyball Championship, billed for Cameroon from Aug. 14 to Aug. 29.

This is contained in a statement by the technical director of NVBF, Martin Melandi on Saturday in Kaduna.

Mr Melandi said the invited players have 2022 national best setter, Enewa Odoh (Customs), best spiker, Ijeoma Ukapbi (COAS Spikers) and best libero, Jummai Bitrus (CNS Spikers).

The most valuable player (MVP) in the 2022 Nigeria Volleyball League, Kelechi Ndukauba (CNS Spikers), as well as MVP of the 2023 African U21 Women’s Nations Championship, Mariam Usman (CNS Spikers).

Nigeria’s most in-form volleyball player, Albertina Francis (NSCDC), experienced middle blocker Helen Umeh (Customs) and national setter Sharon Achi (NSCDC) are in camp ahead of the Nation’s Championship.

According to Mr Melandi, the only foreign-based player in the camp is Mmeseoma Ugochinyere from Japan.

The technical representative on the board of NVBF said the technical committee approved the appointment of Samuel Ajayi as the head coach and assisted by Priscilla Agera.

He said that the players have started training at the indoor sports hall of Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) in Kaduna State.

The Nigeria women’s senior team finished fourth at the 2021 African Nations Championship held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The players included: Enewa Odoh (Customs), Sharon Achi (NSCDC), Aliyah Usman (CNS Spikers), Mercy Promise (CNS Spikers), Happy Wushilang (NSCDC), Ijeoma Ukpabi (COAS Spikers).

Others are: Comfort Amouwu (NSCDC), Naomi Yaro (Kada Emeralds), Mmeseoma Ugochinyere (Japan), Helen Umeh (Customs), Sandra Ozabor (Customs), Sarah Ali (COAS Spikers).

Ezinne Blessing (NSCDC), Deborah Chukwu (COAS Spikers), Albertina Francis (NSCDC), Kelechi Ndukauba (CNS Spikers), Jummai Bitrus (CNS Spikers), Mariam Usman (CNS Spikers) and Bethel Ogochukwu.

(NAN)