Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign with a commanding 160-run victory over The Gambia in Abuja.

The hosts delivered a dominant batting performance, powered by a century from Selim Salau and a blistering late assault from Isaac Okpe, to secure the emphatic win at the NCF Oval 2 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria amassed an imposing 262 runs for the loss of one wicket in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

Salau led Nigeria’s batting charge with an unbeaten 105 off 58 deliveries, smashing 12 fours and three sixes in an outstanding innings that anchored the hosts’ imposing total.

Isaac Danladi provided excellent support, scoring 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s commanding score.

However, it was Isaac Okpe who delivered the most explosive finish, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 balls.

Okpe’s sensational innings, which featured three fours and six sixes, came at a remarkable strike rate of 350.00, propelling Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and leaving The Gambia with a formidable task.

In response, The Gambia struggled to match Nigeria’s batting intensity and were bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing the hosts a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens, who combined impressive batting depth with an effective bowling performance to begin their qualification campaign on a winning note.

The victory also gives Nigeria valuable momentum in the six-team competition, which features hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique.

The teams are competing in a round-robin format, with the top two sides earning qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will now seek to build on their impressive opening performance when they face Zambia on Wednesday, October 21, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

The encounter presents another opportunity for the Yellow Greens to strengthen their position in the race for one of the two available qualification places.

The Nigeria Cricket Federation’s Media Manager, Zeal Ibe, announced the result in a statement on Wednesday, describing the victory as a strong start to the team’s campaign.

Match Summary

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C

Nigeria: 262/1 in 20 overs

The Gambia: 102 all out in 17.2 overs

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Top Nigerian Performers

Selim Salau: 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi: 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe: 56 not out off 16 balls.

The Yellow Greens will hope to maintain their winning momentum against Zambia as they pursue a place in the 2027 Africa Regional Final and keep their T20 World Cup qualification ambitions firmly on track.