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From Akanimo Kufre, Abuja
Nigeria’s Yellow Greens shattered Uganda’s long-standing dominance with a nerve-racking one-run victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C final in Abuja, delivering a historic triumph that sent the home crowd into wild celebrations.
In a contest that went down to the final ball, Nigeria posted 148 runs before bowling Uganda out for 147 in 20 overs to secure their first victory over the East Africans in an ICC cricket tournament. Uganda had won 13 of their previous 14 meetings, underlining the scale of Nigeria’s achievement against a side ranked 21st in the world, compared with Nigeria’s 40th position.
The Yellow Greens’ victory was built on the batting brilliance of Isaac Danladi – ‘the risk taker’, whose fearless approach earned him the Player of the Match award and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honour. Danladi struck 47 runs off just 28 balls, providing Nigeria with the attacking impetus they needed to post a competitive total against their highly rated opponents.
Selim Salau also played a crucial role, contributing 30 runs off 24 balls to strengthen Nigeria’s innings. His performance earned him the Batter of the Tournament award, capping an impressive campaign in which Nigeria steadily grew in confidence and eventually ended Uganda’s dominance in their rivalry.
The tension reached its peak in the final over when former Nigeria captain Sylvester Okpe was entrusted with defending the narrow lead. Uganda needed three runs from the final delivery to win, or two to force a Super Over, but Nigeria held their nerve under immense pressure to protect their one-run advantage and seal the landmark victory.
Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah acknowledged Nigeria’s improvement and determination, praising the hosts for their performance. “Nigeria fought well for their victory. They are a good side and we respect them. They improved with every game, but Uganda will step up to the challenge in the Africa finals with better game,” he said.
An elated Nigeria captain, Chima Akachukwu, credited his players’ resilience and composure for the breakthrough triumph. “I feel very happy. I am excited; you can see the atmosphere is full of joy. When defending, the pressure was shifting at some point, but I told the boys, ‘Heads up!’ Uganda were looking for a break, but we didn’t give them. We kept fighting ball by ball until the last ball,” Akachukwu said, expressing gratitude to God for the victory.
Nigeria and Uganda have now secured qualification for the Africa finals, where they will join Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda in the battle for two places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With Uganda having previously featured at the global tournament, Nigeria’s historic Abuja triumph offers the Yellow Greens renewed belief that they can challenge the continent’s established sides and pursue a maiden appearance on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
