Kenya's Malkia Strikers celebrates after thrushing Nigeria in in the 2026 CAVB Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship on August 29, 2026. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Defending champions Kenya’s Malkia Strikers powered into the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship after sweeping aside Nigeria 3-0 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Saturday night.
Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the 10-time African champions produced a commanding performance to win 25-21, 25-17 and 25-15, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament and taking another step towards defending their continental crown.
Kenya’s victory came after a strong group-stage campaign in which Geoffrey Omondi’s side defeated Zambia and Mali by identical 3-0 margins.
The coach used the opening matches to rotate his squad and build depth, giving every player an opportunity to contribute ahead of the knockout rounds.
Against Nigeria, Omondi made changes to his starting six, bringing in Marlyne Tata and Belinda Barasa. The adjustments initially appeared to unsettle the hosts as Nigeria made the brighter start, but Kenya quickly found its rhythm and took control of the contest.
The Malkia Strikers dominated at the net, with their middle blockers, opposites and outside hitters combining effectively to keep Nigeria under sustained pressure.
Youngster Milka Akinyi, the youngest player on the court, was also impressive as Kenya maintained its authority throughout the match.