Nigeria's senior men's cricket team, known as the Yellow Greens, recorded a dramatic one-run victory over Uganda on Sunday to lift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C trophy in Abuja.
The hosts set a total of 148 runs in 19.4 overs before holding off a fierce challenge from the East African side, who finished on 147 for nine in their allotted 20 overs at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1, according to Peoples Gazette Nigeria. The historic victory marks Nigeria's first-ever win against Uganda after 14 attempts.
Nigeria's innings was anchored by Isaac Danladi, who struck 47 runs off 28 deliveries, hitting three boundaries and clearing the ropes four times. Ali Rahmon provided solid support with a lively 35 runs from 23 balls, while Selim Salau chipped in with 30 runs off 24 deliveries to help the home team rebuild after losing early wickets. Joseph Baguma led the bowling attack for Uganda, finishing with figures of four wickets for 21 runs across his four overs.
Uganda mounted a tense chase spearheaded by Riazat Ali Shah, who smashed 60 runs from 36 deliveries, including three fours and five sixes. Alpesh Ramjani added 20 runs from 18 balls and Olipa Gerald managed 18 off 22 deliveries, keeping the visitors within touching distance of the target.
However, Nigeria's bowling unit kept composure in the final stages. Isaac Okpe grabbed two wickets for 18 runs in four overs, while Sylvester Okpe and Abdullahi Ismail also claimed two wickets each. Team captain Chima Akachukwu picked up a vital wicket to stop Uganda just one run short of parity.
The title win capped an unbeaten run for the Yellow Greens in the six-nation tournament, following earlier victories against The Gambia, Zambia, Mozambique, and Lesotho. Both finalists, Nigeria and Uganda, have secured their spots in the 2027 Africa regional final after finishing in the top two positions.
