Nigeria Thrash Chad 3-0 in African Volleyball Championship Opener

Nigeria started their continental campaign on a strong note, sweeping Chad in straight sets on Wednesday to record an emphatic opening victory.

The Zone 3 champions dominated the encounter from the start, winning the first set 25-17 before producing the same scoreline in the second set. They maintained their control in the third set, eventually securing a 25-16 victory to complete the 3-0 sweep.

The result gives Nigeria an early boost as they pursue their objectives at the championship, which is being held in Tunisia.

Head coach Ryan Masajedi praised his players for following the instructions given to them and executing the team’s game plan effectively.

The Japanese coach said the victory reflected the work put in during training but warned the players against becoming complacent after their impressive opening performance.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Chad and Algeria, with their next match coming against Algeria on Thursday.

Masajedi said the team would immediately shift attention to the encounter, stressing the importance of finishing top of the group in order to secure a favourable pairing in the next stage of the competition.

The championship also carries added significance as it forms part of the qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Nigeria are targeting the continent’s sole Olympic qualification ticket while also seeking qualification for the 2027 FIVB World Championship.

The victory over Chad therefore provides an important foundation for Nigeria as they continue their pursuit of continental success.

The team’s performance will now be tested against Algeria, with Nigeria looking to maintain their winning momentum and strengthen their position in Group C.