Volleyball: Morocco ends Nigeria’s Los Angeles 2028 Olympics dream

Published

4 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

…I’m proud of my players – Masajedi

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games were ended by Morocco at the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship in Tunisia.

The West African side lost to the North Africans 3-2 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter on Monday, September 21.

Nigeria won the first set 25-20 before Morocco responded strongly to take the second and third sets 25-15 and 25-20 respectively.

The Nigerian side forced a deciding set after winning the fourth set 26-24, but Morocco held their nerve to win the fifth set 15-12 and book their place in the semifinals.

Nigeria will now take on Rwanda in the 5th-9th classification match on Wednesday, September 23.

Speaking after the defeat, head coach of Nigeria’s men’s team, Ryan Masajedi praised his players for their fighting spirit throughout the quarterfinal encounter.

The Japanese coach acknowledged the impact of the substitute in the fourth set.

Masajedi said: “We did our best and I am proud of the players. The bench made the difference in the fourth set when we thought everything was over.

“To be honest, we already understand what our weaknesses and strengths are.

“We’ll look at the match after this tournament and look at what went wrong.

“The focus is the next game, and the players will be ready.”

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YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

24 hours ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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