Nigeria set for tough Cricket W’Cup qualifiers

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team. Photo: Nigera Cricket Foundation

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team face a tough task as they host five African rivals in Abuja for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C, with only two places up for grabs, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The tournament runs from October 18 to 26 across Abuja’s twin cricket ovals. Nigeria will play Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique and Gambia in a round-robin contest. The top two teams will advance to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in 2027.

Chima Akachukwu, who was out of the team for a long time, will lead the side as captain for the first time. Experienced players Peter Aho, Isaac Danladi, Elochukwu Ndubudem, Miracle Akhigbe, Sylvester Okpe and Selim Salau are expected to carry the load. Young players Ali Rahmon, Abdullahi Ismail and Kenneth Boniface have also made the squad, along with Isaac Okpe, Abdulmumuni Mohammed, Kareem Ridwan and Vincent Adewoye.

The tournament follows a successful year for age-grade cricket in Nigeria. The U-19 men have earned promotion to Division One, while the U-19 women have qualified for the ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup for a second consecutive time.

Okpe said the squad had set its sights on the global stage.

“As a team, we set a goal to get into the World Cup, and it starts now. This is a stepping stone for us to get to the World Cup stage,” he said.

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Nigeria Cricket Federation President Uyi Akpata described the competition as an important platform for developing the sport on the continent. He thanked the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their support, along with corporate organisations and individuals, and said he expected quality cricket and fair play.

Uganda are widely regarded as the leading contenders after qualifying for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. They are led by Riazat Ali Shah and have Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani and Kenneth Waiswa in their ranks.

Zambia, captained by Javid Patel, will lean on their familiarity with local conditions after playing at the West Africa Trophy in Abuja in December 2025. Mozambique, led by Agostinho Navicha, have Joao Huo, who hit 126 against Lesotho in June 2026.

Lesotho, under Tsepiso David Chaoana, set a national T20 international record of 221 for six against Eswatini on June 7. The Gambia, captained by Bubacarr Kuyateh, complete the field.

Nigeria open against Gambia on October 20 at 1.30pm and face Zambia on October 21 at the same time. After a rest day on October 22, they meet Mozambique at 9.30am on October 23 and Lesotho at 1.30pm on October 24. They conclude against Uganda at 1.30pm on October 25.