Volleyball: Nigeria beats DR Congo in five-set thriller as High Commissioner praises fighting spirit

Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to Kenya, Ambassador Danlami Ibrahim, has praised the team’s exceptional performance at the 2026 African Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship.

The West African giants came back from two sets down to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 3-2 (20-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-13, 15-13) in a vibrant 9th to 12th qualifying match at the Ulinzi Complex on Tuesday, September 1.

An elated Ambassador Ibrahim highly praised the fighting spirit of the Nigerian players.

The ambassador said the team’s progress throughout the championship had been encouraging, particularly after suffering a 3-0 defeat to hosts Kenya in their final group stage match.

He said: “I’m very elated. Coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, that’s what Nigeria is made of. You underestimate Nigeria at your peril.

“These girls have shown tremendous determination. From the game they lost 3-0 to Kenya, they bounced back and won two games in a row.”

Ibrahim also expressed optimism about the team’s future, noting that he had been informed that the team is young and promising.

“They are a young and promising team, so I think they have a bright future ahead of them,” he added.

The Nigerian High Commissioner-designate also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians living in Kenya to turn out in large numbers for the team’s final championship match.

He expressed concern over the relatively low participation of Nigerian fans in matches so far, partly attributing it to work commitments, but urged Nigerians to make the effort to support the players.

“You should please go out and cheer for the team. Nigerians here in Kenya should come out en masse,” Ibrahim appealed.

“The turnout so far hasn’t been very impressive, perhaps due to work commitments, but I want to ask you to make the effort to attend the last game and cheer the team on to victory.”

The ambassador also revealed that there were plans to celebrate the team and Nigerian fans after the final match.

“Afterwards we will have a Nigerian party for the team and Nigerians here in Kenya,” he said.