Rwanda secured a place in the fifth-place playoff match after beating Nigeria in four sets (25-23, 25-20, 18-25, 25-19) at the ongoing 2026 Africa Men’s Nations Volleyball Championship on Wednesday.

Having missed out on ticket to the semi-finals after losing to Tunisia, Rwanda, led by captain Wicklif Dusenge, returned to the court determined to secure a win and avoid finishing below their sixth-place position at the 2023 edition.

Coach Frédéric Guérin kept the same starting six from the team that lost to Tunisia in the quarterfinals, with outside hitter Yves Mutabazi joining Dusenge to lead Rwanda’s attack in the opening set.

Dusenge and Mutabazi scored seven points each as Rwanda edged Nigeria 25-23 to take an early lead.

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Rwanda maintained its momentum in the second set, with middle blocker Emmy Twagirayezu and Prince Kanamugire strengthening the defence and limiting Nigeria’s scoring opportunities.

Dusenge and Mutabazi continued to spearhead the attack as Rwanda won the set 25-20 to move within one set of victory.

Nigeria responded in the third set, capitalising on Rwanda’s errors to win 25-18 and reduce the deficit.

Dusenge then produced a commanding performance in the fourth set, scoring 10 points to finish with a match-high 26 points and earn Player of the Match honours.

Rwanda closed out the match 25-19 to secure the victory and a place in the fifth-place playoff.