Türkiye made a statement on Monday, proving its shock win over Japan was no fluke by dismantling Libya, 25-18, 23-25, 25-14, 25-16, at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The World No.14 Turks showcased their firepower anew, particularly in the final two sets, behind the relentless offense of middle blocker Bulbul Bedirhan and opposite Ramadan Madiraci.
Bedirhan finished with 16 points, including 11 kills, two blocks, and three aces, while Madiraci also tallied 16 markers on 11 kills, one block, and four aces.
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“We worked a lot for the World Championship because in the VNL, we did not do an excellent job,” Türkiye captain Ahmet Tumer said.
“This is the last tournament for this summer, so we really pushed a lot in training. I think we did an amazing job, especially with tactics and character. Now we are 2-0. I hope we will win tomorrow also because it is better to finish first.”
Adis Lagumdzija contributed 12 kills, two aces, and a block, while Gokcen Yuksel added 13 points on 12 attacks.
Türkiye now prepares for its final preliminary round clash against ninth-ranked Canada on Wednesday at 2:00 PM.
“We have Canada next, and we know which kind of team it is,” Lagumdzija said. “Even though they are missing a couple of outside hitters, we know everybody else. I think we are mostly ready. It is up to us to make mistakes now.
“But at the level we are currently playing, we can beat anybody. We just need to continue playing at the highest level possible, with fewer mistakes.”
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Libya remained winless after two games, led by Amhimmid Ikhbayri’s 19 points — 16 kills and three blocks — but it was not enough to halt the Turkish march.
Türkiye’s victory also came on the sidelines of coach Slobodan Kovac’s recent 57th birthday, capping a celebratory day with another statement win in Pool G.
