Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, have secured qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final after defeating Lesotho by seven wickets in the ongoing Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

The victory, recorded on Saturday, October 24, 2026, extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition and confirmed the team’s progression to the next stage of the qualification campaign for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The YellowGreens delivered an impressive all-round performance, combining disciplined bowling with composed batting to overcome Lesotho at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C.

According to a statement issued by the Media Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Zeal Ibe, Lesotho won the toss and elected to bat but struggled against Nigeria’s formidable bowling attack.

The visitors were bowled out for just 62 runs in 12.5 overs, with Nigeria’s bowlers maintaining pressure throughout the innings.

Nigeria captain Chima Akachukwu led from the front, claiming four wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs, including a maiden over, to dismantle the Lesotho batting line-up.

Elochukwu Ndubudem also impressed with two wickets for just four runs in two overs, while Kenneth Boniface claimed two wickets for 14 runs.

Mohammed Taiwo chipped in with another wicket as Nigeria restricted Lesotho to a modest total.

Tsepiso Chaoana offered some resistance for the visitors, finishing unbeaten on 26 off 18 deliveries, but his effort was insufficient to prevent Lesotho from being dismissed for a low score.

Abdulkareem, Akhigbe Seal Comfortable Victory

In response, Nigeria reached 65 for three in just 7.4 overs to complete a convincing seven-wicket victory, with 74 balls remaining.

Despite losing three wickets early in the chase, the YellowGreens recovered through an unbeaten partnership between Ridwan Abdulkareem and Miracle Akhigbe.

Abdulkareem anchored the innings with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls, including three boundaries and a six, while Akhigbe contributed an unbeaten 26 off 25 deliveries, striking four boundaries.

The pair's partnership ensured Nigeria crossed the finish line comfortably, demonstrating the team’s composure and batting depth.

The result further strengthens Nigeria’s position in the qualifying campaign, with the YellowGreens continuing to impress on home soil through disciplined bowling, effective batting and strong teamwork.

Having secured their place in the 2027 Africa Regional Final, Nigeria are now one step closer to qualifying for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The YellowGreens will face Uganda in their final group-stage fixture on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as they seek to preserve their unbeaten record and conclude the sub-regional qualifying campaign on a high note.