Nigeria’s volleyball spirit shines as Ambassador Ibrahim hails dramatic comeback against DR Congo

By Maxwell Kumoye

 

Nigeria’s remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2026 African Women’s Volleyball Championship in Nairobi has earned high praise from Nigeria’s High Commissioner-Designate to Kenya, Ambassador Danlami Ibrahim, who described the performance as a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit.

Nigeria fought back from two sets down to defeat DR Congo 20-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-13, 15-13 in a pulsating 9th-12th classification match on Tuesday.

The comeback victory left Ambassador Ibrahim highly elated, as he praised the determination and fighting spirit of the Nigerian players.

“I’m highly elated. To come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, that is the stuff Nigeria is made of. You underrate Nigeria at your own peril,” Ibrahim said after the match.

The ambassador said the team’s progress throughout the championship had been encouraging, particularly after suffering a 3-0 defeat to host Kenya in their opening game.

“These girls have shown tremendous determination. From the game, which they lost 3-0 to Kenya, they bounced back to win two consecutive matches,” he said.

Ibrahim also expressed optimism about the future of the team, noting that he had been informed that the squad is a young and promising one.

“It’s a young and promising team, so I believe they have a bright future ahead,” 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 match of the championship.

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

“They should please come out and cheer on the team. Nigerians here in Kenya should come out in numbers,” Ibrahim appealed.

“The turnout so far has not been very impressive, perhaps because of work commitments, but I want to appeal to them to make the effort to come out for the final game and cheer the team to victory.”

The ambassador also disclosed that plans were in place to celebrate the team and Nigerian supporters after the final match.

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

Ibrahim’s remarks came after Nigeria produced one of the most spirited performances of their campaign, refusing to capitulate after losing the first two sets before completely turning the match around.

The victory not only strengthened Nigeria’s position in the classification phase but also demonstrated the resilience of a young squad determined to make its mark on the continental stage.

With the final classification match still to come, Ambassador Ibrahim’s call for stronger support from Nigerians in Kenya adds another layer of motivation for the team as it seeks to end its African championship campaign on a high.