Nigeria rally from two sets down to stun DR Congo 3-2

Posted : 02 September 2026

Nigeria’s senior women’s volleyball team produced one of the most spirited comebacks of the 2026 African Women’s Volleyball Championship, overturning a two-set deficit to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-2 in their 9th-12th classification match in Nairobi, Kenya.

With their backs against the wall after losing the opening two sets, Nigeria appeared to be heading for another disappointing result. DR Congo won the first set 25-20 before edging a closely contested second set 25-22.

But rather than allowing the setback to break their resolve, the Nigerian players responded with renewed intensity and gradually turned the contest on its head.

They reduced the deficit by taking the third set 25-21, before producing their most commanding display of the match in the fourth, overwhelming DR Congo 25-13 to level the contest and force a deciding fifth set.

The momentum was now firmly with Nigeria, but DR Congo refused to go down without a fight as both sides battled point-for-point in the decider.

Nigeria, however, showed greater composure when it mattered most, edging the fifth set 15-13 to seal a remarkable 3-2 victory.

The comeback underlined the resilience of the Nigerian team, which recovered from a difficult start and maintained its belief even when defeat appeared increasingly likely.

Head coach Elishama Elam was particularly pleased with the character shown by his players, describing the victory as a reflection of the Nigerian spirit.

“I feel so great, and I’m happy to be a Nigerian. We never say die,” Elam said.

The coach also gave credit to the team’s determination and faith for helping them complete the turnaround.

“We give God all the glory because, obviously, this is the Nigerian spirit that keeps us going. We thank God because He did it for us,” he said.

Despite the victory, Elam warned his players against easing off, stressing that the final classification match would demand the same level of commitment.

“We will approach it with the same determination. Since it is going to be our last match, we will ensure that we give the last drop of our sweat on this court. We will give everything we have,” he said.

The victory gives Nigeria a much-needed boost as they prepare for their final classification encounter, with the team hoping to finish the championship on another high after showing remarkable fighting qualities against DR Congo.

Nigeria 3-2 DR Congo

1st set: Nigeria 20-25 DR Congo
2nd set: Nigeria 22-25 DR Congo
3rd set: Nigeria 25-21 DR Congo
4th set: Nigeria 25-13 DR Congo
5th set: Nigeria 15-13 DR Congo.

Nigeria rally from two sets down to stun DR Congo 3-2

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