diff --git a/tests/nexus/test_5_5_5.cpp b/tests/nexus/test_5_5_5.cpp
index 58d377ac8..2eac4d3eb 100644
--- a/tests/nexus/test_5_5_5.cpp
+++ b/tests/nexus/test_5_5_5.cpp
@@ -169,6 +169,7 @@ void Test5_5_5(void)
      * - Pass Criteria: N/A
      */
     r[3]->Reset();
+    SuccessOrQuit(r[1]->Get<Mle::Mle>().SetRouterEligible(false));
 
     Log("---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------");
     Log("Step 4: Router_1");