Nik Mujanovic steps into a bigger role for podium-seeking Slovenia in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
Slovenia wasted no time announcing its presence at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, cruising past Chile, 25-19, 25-20, 25-16, at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Saturday night, Sept. 13.
The world No. 6 squad dictated the pace from the opening serve, using its edge in experience and composure to notch its first win in Pool E.
With team captain Tine Urnaut sitting out and superstar Rok Mozic sidelined due to a knee injury, the spotlight shifted to 20-year-old Nik Mujanovic, who did not disappoint.
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Fielded as an outside hitter, Mujanovic delivered 13 points built on ten kills, two blocks and an ace.
“It’s a very important win because it’s the first one of this series in this group. It’s good to get some momentum going before the other matches,” Mujanovic said.
“It’s very good for getting up to pace with the World Championship.”
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Nik Mujanovic, a student of the game
The young Mujanovic is not one to waste any opportunity to grow that comes his way, knowing that it will help him in any tournament he enters in.
“Any experience I get whether it's World Championship, whether it's practicing with these guys, whether it's VNL, everything has its own really high value. Even this, me being an outside hitter, every new skill I get is just better for me in my future in the club season and national team in the upcoming years,” he added.
Nik Mujanovic spikes the ball during Slovenia's sweep of Chile in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship. | Photo: Volleyball World
Embracing pressure
Replacing Mozic’s firepower is no small task, and Mujanovic admits the role comes with its own weight.
“It’s a bit of pressure, [but] I don’t think we should focus too much on what we don’t have. We should just try to do the best we can with what we do,” Mujanovic said.
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Mujanovic also knows that there is more room for him to improve.
“There are a lot of very good serving teams, and I obviously struggled with reception a little bit. Today maybe wasn’t as apparent as it probably will be in upcoming matches.”
Slovenia will lean on Mujanovic and its veteran core as it pushes for another deep run in the tourney. But first, it has to lock horns with the dangerous Bulgarian squad Monday, Sept. 15.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.