Nigeria’s senior women’s volleyball team were forced to play catch-up at the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship in Nairobi after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Tunisia in their opening Group C encounter on Tuesday.
The Nigerian side started brightly at the championship, taking the first set 25-18 and raising hopes of securing a winning start against their North African opponents.
Tunisia, however, quickly turned the contest around, responding with greater intensity to claim the next three sets and complete a 3-1 comeback victory.
The result leaves Nigeria needing a strong response in their remaining Group C fixtures as they battle to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Cameroon, meanwhile, made an emphatic start to their Group C campaign, defeating Ghana 3-0. The Cameroonians dominated from the opening serve, winning 25-16, 25-20 and 25-14 to move to the top of the group after the first round of matches.
Hosts Kenya also lived up to expectations, launching their Group A campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia at Kasarani Arena.
The defending champions, popularly known as the Malkia Strikers, produced a dominant display in front of their home supporters, cruising to a 25-14, 25-9, 25-11 victory.
Egypt were equally impressive in Group B, making light work of Burkina Faso with a 3-0 triumph after winning 25-3, 25-15 and 25-15.
Uganda also recorded a straight-sets victory in Group B, overcoming Senegal 25-16, 25-15 and 25-21.
In Group D, DR Congo opened their campaign on a winning note, defeating Burundi 3-0 with scores of 25-16, 25-17 and 25-16.
Rwanda completed the Group D victories after sweeping aside Algeria 3-0. The East-Central African side won 25-22, 25-20 and 25-16 to begin their campaign on a positive note.
Nigeria’s opening-day loss means the team must regroup quickly and improve in their remaining group matches if they are to advance to the knockout phase of the continental championship.
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