The Kenya national women's volleyball team blew their Nigerian counterparts away, securing a 3-0 (25-15, 25-21 and 25-12) straight-sets victory on Thursday, January 9, 2020, to secure their participation in the 2020 Summer Olympics set to be held in Tokyo, Japan.
Malkia Strikers will return to the Olympics as Africa’s representatives following a 16-year hiatus, having last participated in the competition back in 2004.
Nigeria put up a fight but the Kenya team was up to the task during the final qualification match.
Volleyball enthusiasts witnessed the best two teams battle it out in a pulsating encounter.
The Kenyan players poured their hearts out on the court, battling for every inch of space in order to ensure Nigeria remained unsettled for the entire match.
Despite being pipped to lose the semi-final dubbed 'the final before the final' against hosts, Cameroon, on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, Kenya rose up to the challenge and ended up 3-2 winners in a 5-set thriller, setting them on their way to their final match against Nigeria.
Coach Paul Bitok hailed his side’s fighting spirit and resilience.
Several leaders took turns congratulating the team for the outstanding achievement.
"Congratulations Malkia Strikers for qualifying for the 2020 Japan Olympics. Your hardwork, wit, talent, skill, and determination has earned you the honours. We look forward to more of the same at the Olympic Games. Hongera!" Deputy President William Ruto tweeted.
Kenya featured at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games but failed to qualify for the Games in 2008 (Beijing), 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio).
Here's a video of the team dancing following their historic win:
