Cricket: Nigeria Make History, Beat Uganda One Run To Seal Africa Qualifier Spot

…Nigeria claim maiden men’s T20I victory over Uganda as Isaac Danladi and Selim Salau scoop individual awards in Abuja

Nigeria’s YellowGreens made history on Sunday after defeating Uganda by one run to record their first-ever men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) victory over their East African rivals and complete an unbeaten campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

In a thrilling encounter at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium cricket venue, Nigeria defended a target of 149 runs, restricting Uganda to 147 for nine in 20 overs to secure a memorable victory.

Both teams had already qualified for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier before their final fixture, but Nigeria’s narrow triumph provided a significant breakthrough against a side that had traditionally dominated their T20I meetings.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria made an aggressive start through openers Isaac Danladi and Selim Salau, who combined for 68 runs in 7.2 overs.

Danladi led the charge with 47 runs off 28 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes, while Salau contributed 30 off 24 balls, striking four boundaries and a six.

Uganda’s Joseph Baguma checked Nigeria’s progress with an impressive four-wicket haul for 21 runs in four overs, preventing the hosts from building a bigger total.

Ali Rahmon added a valuable 35 runs off 23 balls, including three fours and two sixes, as Nigeria were eventually bowled out for 148 in 19.4 overs.

Uganda’s chase suffered an early setback when Abdullahi Ismail dismissed Raghav Dhawan and Robinson Obuya to put the visitors under pressure.

However, captain Riazat Ali Shah revived Uganda’s hopes with an attacking 60 off 35 deliveries, including five sixes and three fours.

Nigeria fought back through crucial wickets, with Sylvester Okpe dismissing Shah and claiming two wickets, while Isaac Okpe also took two wickets for 18 runs in four overs. Ismail finished with two wickets, while captain Chima Akachukwu claimed one.

The contest went down to the final over, with Uganda needing eight runs for victory.

An injury to Vincent Adewoye forced Nigeria to make a bowling change, bringing Sylvester Okpe into the spotlight for the decisive deliveries.

With Uganda requiring two runs from the final ball to win, Nigeria held their nerve as the visitors managed just one run, finishing on 147 for nine to hand the hosts a dramatic one-run victory.

The result ended Uganda’s dominance in the men’s T20I rivalry and provided Nigeria with a major confidence boost ahead of the next stage of the World Cup qualification campaign.

Nigeria’s success was also reflected in the individual awards, with Danladi named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament after an impressive campaign.

Salau received the Best Batter of the Tournament award in recognition of his contributions throughout the competition.

The final round of matches also saw The Gambia record their first victory of the tournament, while Mozambique defeated Zambia.

Nigeria and Uganda will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Qualifier, where they will continue their pursuit of places at the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

For the YellowGreens, the Abuja campaign ended on a high note, with qualification secured, individual honours won and a historic victory over one of Africa’s established cricket nations.