‘Kenyans are so sweet’ — Nigeria volleyball star Amaka wins hearts in Nairobi

Sometimes, one opportunity is enough to change an athlete’s career.

Nigeria’s Christiana Ndidi Amaka Paul has discovered that firsthand while representing her country at the ongoing 2026 African Senior Women’s Volleyball Nations Championship in Nairobi. The tall attacker has attracted attention through her performances on court while also winning the affection of Kenyan fans.

Amaka, who prefers to use her middle name Amaka, has quickly become a popular figure among supporters following her appearances with Nigeria. Her journey into volleyball was never mapped out from the beginning, with education and a career in oil and gas initially taking priority.

“I’m inspiring oil and gas engineer. I did psychology, but I went to go into oil and gas engineering full time,” she said in an interview with Yegon TV.

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Her sporting story began in Nigeria in 2020, when she joined Kata Emeralds. She later played for Nigerian Customs before moving to the Chief of Army Staff team.

Volleyball initially appeared to be another chapter in her life rather than a career she would eventually pursue at the highest level.

“Volleyball is, volleyball was my plan A initially, but like in the long run, told myself that in as much as the game is heights related, you’re replaceable. Yes, there’s always a tall girl somewhere. So I wanted to finish school while volleyball be my plan B. But from the look of things now, volleyball…”

The sport, however, kept creating opportunities.

“Volleyball has always been doing me good. won’t lie. Volleyball is what put me out there initially.”

Unexpected discovery changed Amaka’s life

Amaka’s entry into volleyball came through an unlikely encounter while she was running errands for her mother.

A coach from Nigerian Customs noticed her height and asked whether she played any sport. At the time, she had just completed secondary school and was preparing to join university.

“Coach from the Nigerian Customs found me when I was running errands for my mom. I was like, come, what do I do? I said nothing. I was done with my WIEC. I don’t know what you guys refer to that here. I was done with my secondary school. So I was taking admission into the university.”

The coach saw potential in her physical attributes and questioned why she was not involved in sport.

“So he called me and asked if I’m into any sport. I said no. He was like, why am I wasting my height?”

Convincing her father was the next challenge. Amaka explained that other basketball coaches had previously approached her family, but her father had insisted that education should come first.

“My dad wasn’t around. He came the next day. spoke to my dad because initially most of the basketball coaches came around to like convince my dad. My dad was like, no, just school. So I don’t know what was different that time around. So that was how my journey began.”

Her progression eventually took her into national-team volleyball, with the Nigerian Volleyball Federation playing an important role along the way.

“So literally the Nigerian Volleyball Federation has been supportive. They’ve been there throughout all my journey.”

Height opened door, hard work kept her there

Amaka’s height initially helped her gain attention, particularly at youth level. She admits that she did not fully understand the game when she first joined the Under-18 team.

“I think I made the team because of my height. I wasn’t really like, I didn’t really know the skills then. I was just there because like, okay, you’re tall. With time, I would understand the concept of volleyball.”

Her development has since taken her to the senior national team, an achievement she describes as a beautiful moment in her career.

“So I played under 18 and this is my first senior national team. It’s really beautiful.”

The senior setup has also allowed her to play alongside athletes she admired when she was still developing.

“I’ve been hearing about her, I’ve played against her, even I didn’t know the concept of So I really admire how she plays.”

Amaka also used the opportunity to acknowledge shorter volleyball players who continue to make an impact despite the sport’s emphasis on height.

“And, explaining the fact that I’m tall, I’m a tall athlete. Shout out to the rest of the volleyballers that are not so tall, because they are really putting in the work. Do you understand? So I understand the game is a game of heights. But then again, those that are not so tall, they’re also doing well.”

Her admiration extends to the confidence displayed by her captain during matches.

“I like the fact that she has confidence on the court. Yes, so whenever I’m like, then I look at her, she’s like, come on, I’m a Kaleo’s girl.”

Kenyan fans embrace Nigeria’s rising star

Amaka’s growing popularity has not been limited to her performances. Kenyan fans have taken a particular liking to the Nigerian volleyballer, something she repeatedly mentioned during the interview.

“Kenyans are friendly you guys are so sweet like everybody anyone you meet they are so accommodating.”

Her experience in Kenya has left a lasting impression, particularly because of how readily people have offered assistance.

“And being nice is two different things. is an act, but kindness is imbued. So I feel like most Kenyans I’ve been around with, the kindness from them is reflecting on your faces. So they’re really accommodating. I won’t lie to you. You look at them and you want to ask for help. They’ll be like, oh, what do you need help with? They’re not like, what does this person want from me? They’re like, they’re always there to help. They’re really, really sweet from the crowd.”

The affection has also spilled onto social media, where Amaka says Kenyan supporters have flooded her with messages.

“I can repeat it, they’re really sweet, I won’t lie. They’re really sweet, yes.”

The attention has surprised her, but she has embraced it wholeheartedly.

“For the genuine affection you guys have for me, I’m really really grateful. I promise my social media is blowing thanks to Kenyans. Yes, I get all the messages even if I can’t reply to most of it. I’m not trying to be cocky or anything. I’m just saying even if I can’t reply to most of it, I see everything. I’m really grateful. You guys are genuinely sweet. I love it. I love you guys. The same way you guys love me, I love you guys. It’s massive.”

Amaka’s emergence within the Nigerian team has also been shaped by an unexpected opportunity.

Her coach revealed that she was initially not expected to feature in the starting six.

“And if you look at it before we arrived, she was not in my possible starting six. My number 13.”

An injury sustained during Nigeria’s opening match changed the situation and gave Amaka her chance.

“Unfortunately, our first match is sustained injury. And I gave her the opportunity. Then she picked up her game completely.”

Her response to the opportunity impressed the coach Elishama Elam , who believes the situation demonstrated what can happen when a player takes advantage of a chance.

“So that is just what, once a coach give you an opportunity, if you use it, you will go somewhere. So for her to have taken that responsibility, I think I’m happy for her. She has also done well for the team.”

Amaka’s journey from running errands for her mother to earning a place in Nigeria’s senior national team reflects how quickly an unexpected opportunity can transform an athlete’s life.

Her performances have given her a platform, while the affection from Kenyan supporters has added another memorable chapter to her volleyball journey.

“Kenyan fans through Amaka, I do them like this. Kenyan fans, I’m still repeating that. They are wonderful people.”