Nigeria Leads ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier C as Uganda Keep Pace
Oru Leonard
In addition to being gracious hosts, Nigeria is leading the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C in Abuja after winning their opening two matches, with Uganda keeping pace as both teams strengthen their bids for the two available qualification spots for the next stage of the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
The latest standings, released on Thursday, October 22, show Nigeria topping the six-team table with four points from two matches and a net run rate of 5.6129, ahead of Uganda, who also have four points but a net run rate of 3.8635.
Lesotho and Mozambique occupy third and fourth positions respectively, with two points each after recording one win and one defeat. Zambia and The Gambia are yet to register a victory.
The tournament, which began on October 20 at the twin cricket ovals in Abuja, is bringing together Nigeria, Uganda, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia and The Gambia in a round-robin contest for two places in the next phase of the global qualification pathway.
Nigeria’s strong start is providing an encouraging boost to the host nation’s campaign as the senior men’s team seeks to build on the country’s recent progress in international cricket, including the qualification of its Under-19 women’s team for the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup for a second consecutive time and the Under-19 men’s team’s promotion to Division One.
DG of National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade welcomed the participating teams and officials to Abuja, describing the competition as an important platform for showcasing Africa’s growing cricket talent and strengthening sporting partnerships across the continent.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, corporate organisations, the Cricket Federation and individuals for their support in hosting the tournament.
With Nigeria and Uganda setting the early pace, the race for the two qualification places remains open as the teams continue their campaigns in Abuja.
Fans can follow the tournament action on ICC.tv.
Credit: Kola Daniel, S.A. Media to DG NSC, October 23, 2026.
