Nigeria’s male senior cricket team, known as the Yellow Greens, has showcased impressive performance at the 2026 ICC World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C. They achieved their third consecutive victory by defeating Eswatini by five wickets during their match at the NCF Oval 2 of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. This victory puts Nigeria in a strong position in the tournament, maintaining their spot at the top with six points. The victory against Eswatini not only underscores the team’s skill and athleticism but also solidifies their ambition to qualify for the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
In the match against Eswatini, the latter won the toss and decided to bat first. They managed to score 137 runs, losing seven wickets in their 20 overs. Eswatini’s captain, Adil Butt, was the standout player, scoring a remarkable 88 runs off 60 balls. Despite his strong performance, the Nigerian bowlers, led by Isaac Danladi and Ridwan Abdulkareem, made significant strides in curtailing Eswatini’s chances, with both bowlers taking three wickets each. This pivotal moment in the match showcased the effectiveness of Nigerian bowlers in manipulating the batting order of Eswatini and showcasing their own talents.
As the match progressed into the second innings, Nigeria began their chase of 138 runs, but not without struggles. The Yellow Greens faced a formidable Eswatini bowling attack that included players like Minhaz Khojbariya and Mancoba Jele, each claiming one wicket. Nigeria’s batting lineup struggled to find form, as none of the players managed to score a half-century. Nevertheless, Steve Tikolo’s team showcased resilience and skill, completing their chase in an impressive 63 minutes, ultimately scoring 138 runs for the loss of five wickets. This successful chase reflects Nigeria’s determination and tactical efficiency in high-pressure situations.
This victory has positioned Nigeria firmly at the forefront of the tournament, with prospects of qualifying for the final phases on the horizon. With six points accumulated over three matches, they remain a top contender, well within reach of securing one of the two coveted spots available for the next round. The competition is fierce, and as Nigeria continues to demonstrate their prowess, they are one step closer to realizing their World Cup ambitions.
On the other hand, Botswana continues to pursue Nigeria closely in the rankings, having also secured their third win of the series with a commanding 10-wicket success over Ivory Coast. Their performance illustrates the competitive nature of the qualifiers, and as the matches progress, every win or loss carries substantial weight. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone has also emerged as a contender, garnering four points after their recent win against St. Helena, which adds further excitement to the qualification scenario.
As the tournament unfolds, the performances of teams like Nigeria, Botswana, and Sierra Leone will be crucial in determining the final standings. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how the remaining matches play out, especially with Nigeria aiming for continued success and Botswana hot on their heels. With only a few games left, the race for the top spots is set to intensify, promising thrilling cricket action as the teams battle for World Cup dreams and aspirations.
