Coach Masajedi Shares Winning Formula as Nigeria Edge Algeria to Book African Volleyball Championship Quarter-Final
Nigeria’s senior men’s volleyball team have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship in Tunisia after producing a spirited comeback to defeat Algeria 3–2 in a gripping five-set Group B encounter on Thursday.
The Zone 3 champions survived a stern test from the North Africans, winning 23–25, 25–19, 21–25, 25–20, 15–12 to seal their place in the knockout phase and underline their growing credentials at the continental championship.
The victory was built on resilience rather than a straightforward start.
Nigeria opened the contest with purpose and appeared poised to take control of the first set, only for Algeria to recover and edge the West Africans 25–23.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail their momentum, the Nigerian side responded emphatically in the second set.
They controlled the exchanges, applied sustained pressure and levelled the match with a convincing 25–19 victory.
Algeria, however, restored its advantage in the third set, edging Nigeria 25–21 and leaving the Zone 3 champions needing another response to keep their quarter-final ambitions alive.
That response came in the fourth set.
Nigeria raised its intensity, rediscovered its rhythm and forced the contest into a deciding fifth set after taking the fourth 25–20.
With the pressure at its highest, Nigeria kept its composure to complete the comeback, winning the tie-break 15–12 and securing a memorable 3–2 victory.
Masajedi Reveals Nigeria’s Winning Formula
Head coach Ryan Masajedi credited the players’ mental strength and ability to recover from adversity for the victory, stressing that the team had entered the encounter knowing the importance of securing a direct route into the quarter-finals.
The Japanese coach said Nigeria’s response after losing the opening set demonstrated the character that has been developed within the squad.
«“I am impressed with the way the players picked up after losing the first set. The set was in our [hands], but the Algerians were lucky it went in their favour.”»
Masajedi noted that the players refused to panic and instead returned to the task with renewed determination.
«“The players have once again shown that they can perform under any circumstances and they picked up after the first set and we ended winning the match.”»
For Masajedi, the victory also provided confirmation that Nigeria’s earlier success against Chad was no accident.
«“We started the tournament playing Chad and the victory against Algeria has cemented us amongst the favourite at the Nations Championship.”»
From Group-Stage Survival to Quarter-Final Ambition
The win over Algeria represents another significant step for Nigeria, who entered the competition as Zone 3 champions with ambitions of making a deeper impact on the African stage.
Against Algeria, those ambitions were tested repeatedly.
Nigeria had to recover from two set defeats, withstand the pressure of a deciding set and maintain its concentration when the match could have gone either way.
That ability to respond, rather than simply dominate from start to finish, ultimately proved decisive.
Masajedi, however, is refusing to allow the victory to become a distraction.
The coach has urged his players to remain focused and begin preparations immediately for their quarter-final opponent, warning against complacency after their hard-fought success.
The message is clear: beating Algeria has opened the door, but the next challenge will demand another level of preparation and concentration.
Masajedi Thanks Nigerians for Support
The coach also reserved special praise for Nigerians following the team’s progress in Tunisia.
Masajedi acknowledged the prayers, encouragement and support coming from home, describing them as an important source of motivation for the players during the championship.
With the quarter-finals now secured, Nigeria will look to carry the confidence generated by the Algeria comeback into the next phase of the competition.
For a team that twice found itself behind on Thursday, the formula was simple but demanding: resilience, composure, belief and a refusal to surrender.
And Masajedi’s men now have a continental quarter-final to show just how far that formula can take them.
