YellowGreens Book 2027 T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final Spot with Crushing Win over Lesotho
… Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team extends unbeaten run with emphatic seven-wicket victory in Abuja
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, have qualified for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final after recording a commanding seven-wicket victory over Lesotho in the ongoing Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
The YellowGreens secured qualification on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following a dominant performance that saw them dismiss Lesotho for just 62 runs before completing the chase with 74 balls to spare.
The result maintained Nigeria’s unbeaten record in the competition and strengthened the team’s ambition of securing a place at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.
Lesotho, who won the toss and elected to bat, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack, losing all 10 wickets for 62 runs in 12.5 overs.
Nigeria captain Chima Akachukwu delivered an impressive performance, claiming four wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs, including a maiden over, to spearhead his side’s bowling effort.
Elochukwu Ndubudem also proved effective, taking two wickets for just four runs in two overs, while Kenneth Boniface picked up two wickets for 14 runs. Mohameed Taiwo contributed another wicket as Nigeria maintained relentless pressure on the opposition.
Tsepiso Chaoana was Lesotho’s most notable batter, finishing unbeaten on 26 from 18 deliveries. However, his effort was insufficient to prevent his team from posting a below-par total.
Nigeria wasted little time in completing the assignment, reaching 65 for three in just 7.4 overs to seal the victory.
Although the hosts lost three wickets during the chase, Ridwan Abdulkareem and Miracle Akhigbe combined effectively to guide the team home without further loss.
Abdulkareem finished unbeaten on 28 from 18 balls, hitting three fours and a six, while Akhigbe contributed an unbeaten 26 from 25 deliveries, including four boundaries.
Their partnership restored stability to the innings and ensured a comfortable finish for the YellowGreens.
Nigeria’s seven-wicket triumph, achieved with 74 balls remaining, highlighted the strength of its bowling unit and the composure of its batters under pressure.
The victory also confirmed Nigeria’s place in the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, taking the team a step closer to its goal of qualifying for the 2028 global tournament.
Playing before home supporters in Abuja, the YellowGreens have demonstrated consistency, teamwork and discipline throughout the qualifying competition, remaining unbeaten as they progress to the next stage.
With their regional final ticket secured, Nigeria will face Uganda in their final group-stage match on Sunday, October 25, 2026, aiming to preserve their unbeaten record and conclude the campaign on a winning note.
The YellowGreens’ emphatic performance against Lesotho represents another important milestone in Nigeria’s quest to return to the global stage of men’s T20 cricket.
Source: Zeal Ibe, Media Manager, Nigeria Cricket Federation.
