In the dynamic realm of international sports, narratives of long-awaited comebacks and unexpected triumphs often resonate deepest. For Libya’s men’s national volleyball team, 2025 marks the unveiling of just such a story: a monumental return to the FIVB World Championship after an incredible 43-year hiatus. To put this into a stark perspective, not a single athlete currently comprising the 14-man squad was alive when Libya last contested this global tournament in Argentina in 1982. The team`s most senior player, Libero Fuad Elmaarug, was merely a few months away from making his worldly debut.
This is not merely participation; it is a meticulously earned resurgence, indicative of a revitalized Libyan volleyball program. The stage for this dramatic return? Manila, Philippines, where the championship is scheduled to unfold from September 12 to 28, 2025. It represents a significant journey, both geographical and aspirational, from the vast expanses of North Africa to the vibrant, competitive arenas of Southeast Asia, all fueled by unyielding determination and a clear ambition to re-establish their presence among the world’s volleyball elite.
A Bronze Medal, a Golden Ticket to the Global Stage
The arduous path to Manila was paved through their tenacious performance at the 2023 African Nations Championship. Under the astute strategic direction of Tunisian coach Ghazi Koubaa, Libya embarked on a campaign that can only be described as remarkable. They sustained only one defeat throughout the entire tournament – a tightly contested 3-2 semifinal battle against the eventual silver medalists, Algeria. Their resilience, however, was unequivocally demonstrated in the third-place playoff, where they decisively defeated Cameroon 3-1 to clinch the bronze medal.
This bronze medal, while not gold, proved to be their most valuable asset – their golden ticket to the World Championship. The 2025 edition features an expanded 32-team format, a critical development for African nations, as the continent`s qualification slots increased from two to three. Libya expertly capitalized on this newfound opportunity, demonstrating that consistent, high-level performance, even when not reaching the absolute pinnacle, can unlock access to global recognition. Coach Koubaa’s continued leadership is further supported by an CHF 84,000 Coach Support project, a component of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme, underscoring the international community`s strategic investment in Libya`s potential development.
Facing the Giants: The Rigors of Pool G
While qualification itself is a significant triumph, the forthcoming challenge in Manila promises to be a rigorous examination of their capabilities. Libya, currently ranked 75th in the FIVB World Ranking, finds itself allocated to Pool G – a group that could be described with a healthy dose of understatement as a “formidable introduction” to top-tier international play. Their adversaries are bona fide volleyball powerhouses: world number five Japan, 11th-ranked Canada, and 16th-ranked Türkiye. Against such highly pedigreed competition, Libya is undoubtedly positioned as the underdog, but the annals of sporting history are replete with such challengers who have defied expectations.
Libya`s campaign will commence at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. They are scheduled to face Canada on September 13, followed by a demanding clash with Türkiye on September 15, and will conclude their preliminary round matches against Pool G`s top seeds, Japan, on September 17. For a team returning after an absence spanning more than four decades, every serve, every block, and every expertly executed point will serve as a potent declaration of their renewed presence.
The Offensive Spearhead: Ahmed Ikhbayri and Team Libya
Leading Libya’s offensive endeavors is the formidable Ahmed Ikhbayri. Acknowledged as the Best Opposite in the 2023 African Nations Championship Dream Team, the 200cm tall athlete contributes a substantial repertoire of experience gleaned from playing in the highly competitive Italian Serie A1 with Modena Volley. His capacity to translate his elite club-level performance onto the international national team stage will be absolutely pivotal to Libya`s ambitions.
He will not be operating in isolation. His elder brother, Mohamed Ikhbayri, will join him on court as one of the crucial outside hitters, forging a potent sibling partnership. Alongside Mohamed Garwash, they will bear primary responsibility for reception and provide essential offensive depth from the wings. At the net, the imposing presence of middle blockers Anas Alwaddani and Mohamed Alghoul will serve as the anchor for the team`s defensive structure. Captain Elmaarug, with his considerable seasoned experience, is tasked with orchestrating the floor defense, while setter Abdelrahman Abu Zariba is central to coordinating Libya`s offensive plays, effectively translating Coach Koubaa’s intricate strategies into tangible points. The overarching mission is unequivocal: to restore Libya`s esteemed reputation not merely within African volleyball circles, but across the entire global sporting arena.
A New Chapter for Libyan Volleyball
Libya`s return to the FIVB World Championship after 43 years transcends the confines of a mere sporting event; it stands as a profound testament to national pride, perseverance, and unwavering ambition. It presents an invaluable opportunity for a new generation of players, born decades after their nation’s last global volleyball endeavor, to meticulously etch their own names into the annals of history. While the competitive landscape of Pool G is undoubtedly challenging, the indomitable spirit embodied in this remarkable comeback story is undeniable. The global volleyball community will undoubtedly be keenly observing as the Libyan squad, guided by its veteran coach and powered by its talented athletes, endeavors to forge a new and resonant roar on the international volleyball scene.
Marcus Blakely