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The Nigeria senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, have secured their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2027 after defeating Lesotho by seven wickets at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier C in Abuja on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The victory extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition, reinforcing their status as one of the leading contenders in the race towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Lesotho struggled against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack, losing all 10 wickets for 62 runs in 12.5 overs.
Captain Chima Akachukwu led from the front with an outstanding spell, claiming four wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs, including a maiden over. Elochukwu Ndubudem also made a significant contribution, taking two wickets for just four runs in two overs, while Kenneth Boniface claimed two wickets for 14 runs. Mohameed Taiwo added another wicket to keep Lesotho under sustained pressure.
Lesotho’s Tsepiso Chaoana offered some resistance with an unbeaten 26 off 18 deliveries, but Nigeria’s bowlers ensured the opposition finished with a modest total.
In response, Nigeria reached 65 for three in just 7.4 overs to complete a convincing victory, despite losing three early wickets.
Ridwan Abdulkareem anchored the chase with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls, striking three fours and a six. Miracle Akhigbe provided valuable support with an unbeaten 26 off 25 deliveries, including four boundaries.
Their unbroken partnership steadied the innings and guided the YellowGreens comfortably over the line.
Nigeria won by seven wickets, with 74 balls remaining, underlining the effectiveness of their bowling attack and the composure of their middle order.
Beyond the victory, the result confirms Nigeria’s qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final scheduled for 2027, where the team will continue its pursuit of a place at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.
Playing on home soil, the YellowGreens have continued to make the most of their opportunity, combining powerful batting, disciplined bowling and effective teamwork throughout the qualifying campaign.
With qualification secured, attention now turns to Nigeria’s final group-stage fixture against Uganda on Sunday, October 25, 2026 as the team looks to maintain its unbeaten record and finish the sub-regional campaign on a high.
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