Nigeria, Uganda Lead Race For T20 World Cup Qualifier Spots In Abuja

Nigeria and Uganda have made winning starts to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja, with both sides taking early control of the race for the two available places in the next stage of the qualification series.

The latest standings, released on Thursday, show Nigeria top of the six-team table with four points from two matches and a net run rate of 5.6129, ahead of Uganda, who have the same number of 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, while Zambia and The Gambia are yet to secure a victory.

The tournament, which began on 20 October at the twin cricket ovals in Abuja, features Nigeria, Uganda, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia and The Gambia in a round-robin competition. The top two teams will advance to the next phase of the qualification pathway for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Nigeria’s opening victories have given the hosts an early advantage as they seek to progress to the Africa Qualifier and move closer to securing a place at the global tournament.

The country has also recorded recent progress in youth cricket, with the women’s Under-19 team qualifying for the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup for a second consecutive time, while the men’s Under-19 team earned promotion to Division One.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, welcomed the participating teams and officials to Abuja, describing the competition as an opportunity to showcase Africa’s growing cricket talent and strengthen sporting relationships across the continent.

Olopade also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, corporate organisations, the Nigeria Cricket Federation and individuals in hosting the tournament.

With Nigeria and Uganda level on four points, their superior net run rates have placed them first and second respectively. However, the battle for the two qualification places remains open as the remaining teams continue their campaigns.

Fans can follow the matches on ICC.tv.