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From Akanimo Kufre
Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens moved a step closer to their return to Division One of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup pathway with a commanding 407-run victory over Mozambique on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the IPRC Oval in Kigali, Rwanda.
The emphatic victory was built around outstanding batting performances from Bright Edem and Peculiar Egemasi, who combined to give Nigeria a formidable platform in the first innings.
Edem produced a superb century, scoring 137 runs (not out), while Egemasi contributed an impressive 123, as Nigeria posted a massive total of 461 for six in 50 overs.
The performance further underlined the growing strength of Nigeria’s young batting unit, with Edem joining an increasingly influential group of players that includes Kenneth Boniface, Peculiar Egemasi, Hosanna Omonkhobhio and Ali Rahmon, all of whom have played significant roles in Nigeria’s impressive campaign.
Nigeria then completed the job with the ball, reducing Mozambique to just 54 all out in 23 overs.
Mozambique’s innings suffered an early collapse, with Manuel Mbebe Jr falling on the second delivery. Nigeria’s relentless bowling attack kept the pressure on, with eight Mozambique batters failing to reach double figures. Rodriguez Mangue was Mozambiques’ top scorer with just 19 runs from 13 deliveries.
Nigeria’s bowling effort was spearheaded by tournament potential MVP, Kenneth Boniface, Peculiar Egemasi and Princewill Chigozie, while Precious Ayeni and Emmanuel Oladejo also contributed to the disciplined dismantling of the Mozambique batting order.
The victory leaves Nigeria comfortably placed second on the standings behind Uganda and ahead of hosts Rwanda.
with qualification for Division One effectively secured with one match still to play.
The Junior YellowGreens will conclude their campaign against Sierra Leone on August 15 at Pitch 2, Gahanga, while Rwanda will face Uganda at the Gahanga Main Oval.
Former Nigeria coach Uthe Ogbimi hailed the team’s performance, describing it as “neat work” while looking ahead to the challenges of Division One.
“Division One is like a lion’s den. You close the mouth of the lions to pick up the prize,” Ogbimi said.
Ogbimi, the only Nigerian coach to have taken the country’s U19 men’s cricket team to a World Cup, also praised Edem’s invitation to the Junior YellowGreens and his impressive contribution to the campaign.
He urged the young players to maintain their standards, insisting that selection for the national team must continue to be earned through performance and commitment.
With Nigeria now on the brink of securing promotion, the Junior YellowGreens have not only demonstrated their ability to dominate opposition but have also strengthened their credentials as serious contenders for a place in the next stage of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup pathway.
