by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 17, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup African Qualifier C, scheduled from November 23 to 28 in Abuja. The tournament will test the country’s cricket infrastructure and event management capabilities as Nigeria’s national team, the Yellow Greens, begins its quest for World Cup qualification.
The competition will feature six African nations—Nigeria, Botswana, Ivory Coast, Eswatini, St. Helena, and Sierra Leone—battling for two spots in the next round of qualifiers. Matches will take place at the Twin Oval, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Highlighting Nigeria’s rising profile in cricket, Akpata stated, “This is an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s unique cricket culture and organizational strength. Hosting this event will not only advance talent development but also present a new perspective of Nigeria to the global cricket community.”
Currently ranked 36th in the T20 global standings, Nigeria is the highest-ranked team in the competition. The national team, coached by Steve Tikolo, has been in camp in Abuja, with players like Isaac Okpe, Chiemelie Udekwe, and Isaac Danladi bringing valuable international experience from the Zimbabwean National Cricket League.
As the team gears up for the event, Akpata emphasized the dual goals of securing qualification and creating unforgettable experiences for both fans and visitors.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 15, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, are intensifying their preparations for the first phase of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifiers. The Africa Sub-Region Qualifier C will take place from November 21 to 28 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, featuring the twin oval facilities.
The Yellow Greens, under head coach and Nigeria Cricket Federation high-performance manager Steve Tikolo, are set to face Botswana, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Saint Helena. The top two teams from this phase will progress to the final qualification round, moving closer to the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The team’s preparations have been bolstered by the return of Isaac Okpe, Isaac Danladi, and Chiemele Udekewe, who recently competed in the Zimbabwe Elite League. Tikolo is expected to finalize the squad soon.
Reflecting on the team’s recent bilateral series against Kenya, Tikolo expressed optimism, noting significant improvements in Nigeria’s cricket performance. “The cricket fraternity in Kenya was impressed by our fearless and positive brand of cricket. It’s a huge step forward for Nigerian cricket,” Tikolo stated.
Nigeria is one of three countries hosting the sub-regional qualifiers, with the earlier phases held in Tanzania and Kenya. The ultimate goal is to secure one of two spots alongside South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2026 World Cup.
