• VOLLEYBALL

• Frank Rotich 1 month ago

Malkia Strikers eye place in quarters as they face Nigeria at Kasarani

Kenya’s national women volleyball team Malkia Strikers will begin their knockout campaign at the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship on Saturday, with Nigeria standing between the defending champions and a place in the quarter-finals.

The highly anticipated encounter will be played at the Kasarani Indoor Arena from 7pm EAT, with the Kenya Volleyball Federation waiving all gate charges to allow fans free entry.

The move follows public concerns over ticket prices and vendor entry fees earlier in the tournament, with supporters now urged to turn up in large numbers under the “Tujaze Kasarani” call.

The Malkia Strikers have been among the most impressive teams in the competition so far, topping Pool A with two wins from two matches.

Kenya opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Zambia before producing another straight-sets win against Mali.

The hosts have therefore reached the knockout stage without dropping a single set.

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi used the group matches to rotate his squad and give several players valuable court time.

However, the coach is expected to settle on his strongest combination against Nigeria.

For Kenya, the target goes beyond simply reaching the quarter-finals. The Malkia Strikers are defending their continental crown and are also chasing qualification for the LA28 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup.

Playing at home provides an additional advantage, with the team hoping a packed Kasarani Indoor Arena will provide the energy needed to maintain their unbeaten run.

Nigeria arrive at the knockout stage with a considerably more difficult group campaign.

They finished fourth in Pool C, recording one victory and suffering two defeats. Their campaign included a win over Mali and a closely contested 3-2 defeat to Algeria, showing that they possess the ability to compete against stronger opposition.

Head coach Samuel Ajayi has acknowledged that defensive lapses and unforced errors affected his side during the group stage.

However, Nigeria are determined to approach the Kenya encounter without fear. Ajayi has urged his players to show confidence and avoid giving the hosts excessive respect once the match begins.

Nigeria's challenge will be particularly difficult against a Kenyan side that has historically dominated the rivalry. Kenya recorded a 3-0 victory over Nigeria in 2023, and the Malkia Strikers will be expected to use their experience and home advantage to control the contest

The match pits Kenya's perfect group-stage record against a Nigerian side that has had to fight its way through a difficult preliminary campaign.

Kenya will look to establish control through strong serving, disciplined defence and powerful attacks, while Nigeria will need to limit mistakes and stay competitive during the crucial exchanges.

Earlier on Saturday, Uganda face DR Congo at 100pm, followed by Algeria against Senegal at 4pm, before the much-anticipated Kenya-Nigeria showdown at 7pm.

With entry now free, Kenyan fans have been given every reason to fill Kasarani and back the Malkia Strikers as they begin their quest to retain the African title on home soil.