Nigeria’s men volleyball national team have departed for Abidjan to compete in the Zone 3 2019 All Africa Games qualifiers.

The 17-member team led by Nigeria Police Force player and team captain Daniel Nathaniel left Abuja on Thursday night for Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria’s contingent is boosted by the presence of three foreign players namely: Arinze Nwachukwu (Fernabache of Turkey), Samuel Ogwuche (Asaria of Libya) and Uchenna Ofoha (CVM of Germany).

Domestic players to watch out for include: Izu Nwachukwu (Plateau Rocks), Afun Idowu (Ondo Spikers), Sebon David (NSCDC) and Prince Anyasodike (Immigrations).

The team will be tutored by coach of Niger Brass, Japhet Nuhu; coach of Police Force, Taiwo Oladipupo and COAS Spikers coach, Elishama Elam.

President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Musa Nimrod reiterated his belief in the team’s ability to clinch qualification to the 2019 All Africa Games in Morocco.

He said: “I believe the boys will win, the spirit is high. The boys are charged and they have been able to appreciate the situation they found themselves and are also happy. The players are willing to lay their lies for Nigeria on the court when the battle begins.”

“There are two tickets for grabs in our zone but I am interested in the first ticket not the second ticket.

“A lot of countries do not know some of these new boys in the team but they are fantastic. Nigeria volleyball players in Diaspora are willing to play for the fatherland and this is a wonderful development,” he added.

The Zone 3 Men’s All Africa Games Qualifiers will hold from 17th to 25th May, 2019 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

FULL LIST

Setters

1 Daniel Nathianel (Captain)

2 Patrick Davou

Liberos:

3 Ibrahim Adamu

4 Afun Idowu

Middle Blockers:

5 Izu Nwachukwu

6 Moses Gana

7 Arinze  Nwachukwu

8 Uche Ofoha

Side Spikers:

9 Samuel Ogwuche

10 Sebon David

11 Ogunshina Abayomi

12 Princewell Okoi

Opposite:

13 Prince Anyasodike

14 Morris Dikiya

Coaches:

Japhet Nuhu

Taiwo Oladipupo

Elishama Elam