Junior YellowGreens Bounce Back Against Ghana, Set Sights On Rwanda

Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens revived their qualification campaign for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a commanding five-wicket victory over Ghana at the Gahanga Oval in Rwanda on Monday.

The Nigerians responded impressively to their narrow five-wicket defeat by Uganda in their opening match, bowling Ghana out for just 93 before reaching 96 for five in 22.2 overs to secure their first win of the tournament.

The victory was built on disciplined bowling, sharp fielding and a composed chase, although captain Ali Rahmon admitted that the batting unit still has work to do after Nigeria lost five wickets while chasing a modest target.

Ghana won the toss and elected to bat but struggled to cope with Nigeria’s disciplined attack.

Keneth Boniface was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 33 runs in eight overs, while Precious Ayeni returned impressive figures of two for nine from eight overs.

Princewill Chigozie was equally economical, conceding just nine runs in his 10 overs while claiming one wicket. Okasha Isiyaku, Pelumi Orimolade and Daniel Ayodele also took a wicket each as Ghana were dismissed for 93 in 39.5 overs.

David Ateak top-scored for Ghana with 26 runs, but there was little else to trouble the Nigerian attack.

Nigeria appeared set for a straightforward chase but were made to work by Ghana’s bowlers. The Junior YellowGreens slipped to 56 for four and later 77 for five before Boniface steadied the innings.

Boniface, who had earlier impressed with both bat and ball, remained unbeaten on 30 from 32 deliveries, hitting four fours and a six.

Andrew Abah contributed 20 from 42 balls, while Peculiar Egemasi provided a crucial late burst with 17 off 17 deliveries as Nigeria reached their target with more than 27 overs remaining.

Boniface was subsequently named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution of four for 33 with the ball and an unbeaten 30 with the bat.

Speaking after the victory, Rahmon praised the bowlers but acknowledged that Nigeria must improve their batting ahead of their next fixture.

“Firstly, when we lost the toss, it actually went our way because we were actually looking to bat and bowl first, get some early wickets and mount pressure,” Rahmon said.

“We didn’t really get the early wicket. We got more dot balls though, and mounted pressure, and we were able to bowl them out. The bowlers did a very good job restricting them to 94 runs.

“But I feel as a batting unit, we are not there yet because we lost too many wickets chasing 94 runs.”

Boniface, who has emerged as Nigeria’s leading performer after two matches, said he remained focused on executing the team’s plans.

“I’m just trying to go on with the team plan. The team plan is just to play around and get what I need, so I have to just wait there, enjoy the game, less pressure. That’s all,” he said.

The all-rounder has now accumulated 127 runs and four wickets across Nigeria’s opening two matches, underlining his importance to the Junior YellowGreens’ campaign.

Nigeria’s response against Ghana was particularly encouraging after their opening-day defeat by Uganda.

Against Uganda, Boniface had produced an outstanding 97 off 107 balls, including nine fours and six sixes, as Nigeria posted 176 all out in 45 overs.

Okasha Isiyaku added 34 from 81 deliveries, while Pelumi Orimolade led the bowling attack with two wickets for 24 runs.

Uganda eventually chased down the target, reaching 178 for five in 38.2 overs, with Samuel Ahaisibwe scoring 72 to condemn Nigeria to defeat.

The Junior YellowGreens, however, quickly put that setback behind them and delivered a much more complete performance against Ghana.

With the win, Nigeria have restored their hopes of securing a place at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, but the road ahead remains demanding.

They will face tournament hosts Rwanda on Wednesday, 12 August, before taking on Mozambique and then Sierra Leone in their remaining fixtures.

The Junior YellowGreens will now look to build on their victory over Ghana, with improved batting discipline likely to be crucial as they continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification.