Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, defeated Uganda by one run in Abuja on Sunday to win the T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C unbeaten, recording their first victory over the East Africans in 14 meetings.

The thrilling encounter took place at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1 in Abuja on October 25, with Nigeria holding their nerve in a dramatic final-ball finish.

Batting first, the YellowGreens posted 148 runs in 19.4 overs, with Selim Salau contributing 30 runs off 24 balls. Uganda’s Joseph Baguma was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 21 runs.

In response, Uganda mounted a strong chase led by Riazat Ali Shah, who scored 60 runs off 36 deliveries, including five sixes.

The contest went down to the final ball, with Uganda requiring eight runs from the last over and two from the final delivery. However, the visitors managed only one run from the final ball to finish on 147 for nine, handing Nigeria a narrow victory.

Isaac Danladi was named Player of the Match for his contribution to Nigeria’s triumph.

Isaac Okpe, Sylvester Okpe and Abdullahi Ismail claimed two wickets each for Nigeria, while captain Chima Akachukwu took one wicket.

The victory completed a perfect campaign for the YellowGreens, who won all five matches in the six-team round-robin competition. Nigeria defeated Zambia, The Gambia, Lesotho, Mozambique and Uganda to finish with 10 points.

Uganda finished second with eight points, with both teams securing qualification for the Africa Qualifier scheduled for October 2027. The tournament will serve as the next stage on the road to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Speaking after the final, Akachukwu described the encounter as tense, admitting that the team experienced moments of uncertainty as Uganda threatened to take control.

“There were shivers,” he told Daily Trust, explaining that he continued communicating with his teammates when the momentum appeared to be shifting.

The Nigerian captain added that the team’s target heading into next year’s Africa Qualifier would be to maintain their winning mentality and approach every match with the determination to secure victory.

Nigeria Cricket Federation president Uyi Akpata praised the team for their resilience and composure under pressure, while also expressing appreciation to the National Sports Commission for its support.

The triumph further highlights Nigeria’s progress in cricket, following encouraging performances across different age-grade categories.

Nigeria’s Under-19 women’s team has qualified for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup for two consecutive editions, while the country’s Under-19 men’s team has earned promotion to Division One.

After 13 previous defeats against Uganda, the YellowGreens have finally broken their losing streak against the East Africans with a memorable one-run victory.

Their next major challenge will come in October 2027, when they compete in the Africa Qualifier and pursue their ambition of reaching the 2028 T20 World Cup.