Uganda finishes fourth at U20 African Nations Volleyball Championship

Uganda’s U20 national volleyball team, the Nile Warriors, finished fourth at the 2025 U20 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Cairo, Egypt.

The team advanced to the semifinals after a commanding 3-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals. However, their bid for a podium finish ended with back-to-back defeats, first to Cameroon in the semifinals and then to Kenya in the bronze medal playoff.

In the semifinals, Uganda faced a formidable Cameroonian side that remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. The Nile Warriors fell 3-0, with set scores of 18-25, 19-25, and 18-25.

The bronze medal match against neighbors Kenya proved equally challenging. Kenya took the first two sets 25-19 and 25-20 before Uganda rallied to claim the third 25-15. The contest was decided in a tense fourth set, which Kenya edged 25-23 to seal a 3-1 victory.

Head coach Joshua Osiya expressed gratitude despite the disappointment. “We would like to thank the Ugandan government, organizers, the volleyball federation, and all the fans for standing with the Nile Warriors at the U20 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Egypt. Their support helped motivate the boys throughout the tournament,” he said.

Osiya remained optimistic about the team’s progress. “We tried our best, and the boys have gained valuable experience that will help them in future competitions. We are proud of their performance and fighting spirit. This tournament has taught them many lessons they can use to improve,” he added.

Uganda’s campaign began brightly in the group stage with wins over Algeria and Zimbabwe before falling to hosts Egypt. Egypt went on to claim the championship, defeating Cameroon in the final.

The final tournament standings were: Egypt (1st), Cameroon (2nd), Kenya (3rd), Uganda (4th), Morocco (5th), Rwanda (6th), Algeria (7th), and Zimbabwe (8th). 

Only the top three teams—Egypt, Cameroon, and Kenya, secured qualification for the 2025 U21 Volleyball World Championship in Qatar.

The Nile Warriors returned home on Sunday, September 21, carrying valuable lessons and renewed determination for future competitions.