Nigeria will open their 2026 African Women’s Senior Volleyball Nations Championship campaign in Kenya in Group C, alongside Cameroon, Ghana and Tunisia.
Quick facts
- Nigeria are captained by Ijeoma Ukpabi.
- Kenya, the host nation and reigning champion, is in Group A with Mali and Zambia.
- Group B features Egypt, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Senegal.
- Algeria, Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda form Group D.
- The tournament provides Africa’s route to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Led by Ukpabi, Nigeria will seek a strong tournament showing in an event that doubles as the continent’s Olympic qualification competition for Los Angeles 2028.
Ukpabi is one of four outside hitters, joined in that role by Maryam Ibrahim, Deborah Chukwu and Mmesoma Okekearu. Deborah Sunday, Ganiyat Lateef and Aisha Bello have been named as the middle blockers.
Kelechi Ndukauba and Christiana Paul will serve as the opposite hitters. Aisha Umaru and Enewa Odoh are the setters, while Jummai Bitrus has been chosen as libero.
Elishama Elam is in charge of the squad, with Olusegun Abinde serving as assistant coach. Sunday Akapson will work with the setters as their trainer.
Nigeria face a demanding group but will target a run at the continental crown. The eventual champions will secure Africa’s place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
