Kenya’s Malkia Strikers kept alive their hopes of qualifying for 2027 World Chmpionship and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after storming into the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAVB Women’s Africa Nations Volleyball Championship by sweeping aside Nigeria 3-0 on Saturday, August 29 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
The defending champions produced a dominant display to defeat Nigeria 25-21, 25-17, 25-15, controlling the match from the opening serve and maintaining their authority throughout the three sets.
Kenya, who are chasing a record-extending 11th African title, showed impressive composure and intensity as they kept Nigeria under sustained pressure. The hosts were strong in attack and defence, with their middle blockers, opposites and outside hitters combining effectively to frustrate their opponents.
The youthful Malkia Strikers also received an outstanding contribution from Aluor Girls Secondary School youngster Milka Akinyi, the youngest player on the court, who impressed with her energetic performance and played a key role in Kenya’s commanding victory.
Kenya established control early in the opening set before Nigeria attempted to fight back, but the hosts held their nerve to take it 25-21. The Malkia Strikers then raised their level in the second set, opening up a comfortable advantage and winning 25-17.
There was little respite for Nigeria in the third set as Kenya maintained the pressure and pulled away to complete the straight-sets victory at 25-15.
Head coach Geoffrey Omondi and his technical bench were delighted with the performance as Kenya continued their title defence in convincing fashion.
Kenya now joins Cameroon, Uganda and Algeria in the quarter-final line-up, with the remaining four Round of 16 matches scheduled for Sunday to determine the other quarter-finalists.
The 2026 championship is being held in Kenya from August 23 to September 5 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The tournament has returned to Kenya for the first time since 2015, with the hosts hoping to use home advantage to retain the continental crown.
