Malkia Strikers steamroll Nigeria, storm Championship quarters

Defending champions Malkia Strikers stormed into the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAVB Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship after dispatching West African rivals Nigeria 3-0 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Saturday night.

‎​Encouraged by a passionate home crowd, head coach Geoffrey Omondi’s charges delivered a dominant performance to seal the victory in straight sets of 25-21, 25-17, and 25-15.

‎Kenya’s vibrant squad showed strength across all departments, with the middle blockers, opposites and outside hitters combining effectively to keep Nigeria under constant pressure.

‎Youngster Milka Akinyi, the youngest player on the court, delivered a superb performance and played an important role in Kenya’s dominant display.

‎Head Coach Omondi and the technical bench were delighted with the team’s performance as the Malkia Strikers continued their title defence with another impressive victory.

‎The victory keeps the 10-time African champions firmly on course to retain their crown as they eye a record-extending 11th continental title and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

‎​Earlier in the day, Uganda’s Lady Volleyball Cranes became the second nation to book a last-eight spot, joining Cameroon, who received a bye in the Round of 16 after putting DR Congo to the sword.

‎Uganda produced a composed display to claim a straight-sets victory of 25-16, 27-25, and 25-18, holding their nerve through a tight second set to eliminate the Congolese.

‎​In the afternoon fixture, North African heavyweights Algeria produced a disciplined exhibition to sweep past Senegal 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-16).

‎Algeria head coach Sid Ali Benkourbi expressed his delight with the team's relentless intensity, as the former champions dictated play from the opening whistle to underline their title credentials.

‎​The remaining four quarter-final slots will be determined on Sunday when Rwanda face Burkina Faso, Zambia clash with Ghana, Egypt test Burundi, and Tunisia wrap up the Round of 16 against Mali.

‎​SATURDAY ROUND OF 16 RESULTS

‎​Uganda 3–0 DR Congo (25-16, 27-25, 25-18)

‎​Algeria 3–0 Senegal (25-15, 25-17, 25-16)

‎​Kenya 3–0 Nigeria (25-21, 25-17, 25-15)

‎SUNDAY SCHEDULE

‎Rwanda vs Burkina Faso - 10.00AM

‎Zambia vs Ghana - 1.00 PM

‎Egypt vs Burundi- 4.00 PM