Nigeria Begin African Volleyball Championship Campaign as 16 Nations Target Continental Glory

Posted : 24 August 2026

The 2026 African Women’s Volleyball Championship began in Nairobi on Sunday, with 16 nations competing for continental honours at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Ulinzi Sports Complex. The tournament runs from August 23 to September 5 and carries major qualification implications for the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Nigeria are among the teams chasing the title after travelling to Kenya with a 12-player squad. The Nigerian delegation was officially sent off in Abuja before departing for Nairobi, with captain Ijeoma Ukpabi and head coach Elishama Elam leading the team.

Ukpabi said the players had worked hard during their preparations and were determined to make their efforts count. Elam also expressed confidence in the team's preparation, highlighting work on technique, physical conditioning, injury prevention and tactical development.

Nigeria's squad includes Ukpabi, Maryam Ibrahim, Deborah Chukwu, Mmesoma Okekearu, Deborah Sunday, Ganiyat Lateef, Aisha Bello, Kelechi Ndukauba, Christiana Paul, Aisha Umaru, Enewa Odoh and Jummai Bitrus. Olusegun Abinde serves as assistant coach, while Sunday Akapson is the setters trainer.

The championship features hosts Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Rwanda, Algeria, Morocco, Uganda, Mali, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Zambia alongside Nigeria. Kenya enter as defending champions after winning their 10th African title in 2023, when they defeated Egypt 3-0 in the final.

The Malkia Strikers are also seeking an 11th continental crown on home soil. Kenya's campaign has added significance because the championship returns to Nairobi for the first time since 2015, when the hosts defeated Algeria in straight sets.

Nigeria's immediate challenge includes Morocco and Algeria in their group. The team will be seeking to improve on its fourth-place finish at the 2021 championship in Kigali, while the country has previously finished runners-up four times.

The stakes extend beyond the continental trophy. Under the confirmed LA28 qualification system, the winner of each continental championship receives an Olympic quota place, while the three highest-placed eligible teams at each continental championship qualify for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Championship.

Nigeria therefore have two major targets in Nairobi: challenge the continent's established powers and secure a return to the global stage. The competition provides the Elam-led side with an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria's position in African women's volleyball while pursuing qualification for two major international tournaments.

Nigeria Begin African Volleyball Championship Campaign as 16 Nations Target Continental Glory

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