By Hosea Parah
Nigeria have been crowned champions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C, after edging Uganda by one run in a thrilling final at the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Oval 1 in Abuja.
The hosts held their nerve in a tense contest, defending a target of 148 runs to restrict Uganda to 147 for nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs and secure the championship.
The victory also secured Nigeria’s progression to the next stage of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, keeping their hopes of reaching the global tournament alive.
Nigeria finished the competition unbeaten, recording five victories from five matches against Zambia, The Gambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Uganda.
Their triumph over Uganda provided a fitting conclusion to an impressive campaign, with the hosts demonstrating resilience and composure in a final that went down to the wire.
The final against Uganda proved to be Nigeria’s toughest test of the competition, as the East Africans came close to overhauling the target in front of the home supporters.
After posting 147 runs, Nigeria needed a disciplined bowling performance and sharp fielding to prevent Uganda from crossing the finish line.
The Nigerian players responded under pressure, limiting Uganda to 147 for nine wickets to seal a memorable one-run victory.
The result highlighted the team’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations and reinforced the progress Nigerian cricket has made in recent years.
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, praised the players for their determination, resilience, and composure throughout the tournament.
Akpata described the victory as a significant milestone for Nigerian cricket, noting that the team’s unbeaten run reflected its commitment and growing competitiveness on the continental stage.
He also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon Bukola Olopade, for supporting sports development in the country.
According to the NCF president, the Commission’s support is helping to create an enabling environment for sports federations to pursue excellence and deliver positive results for Nigeria.
The victory represents another encouraging development for the federation as it continues to strengthen the country’s cricket structures and improve the national teams’ performances in international competitions.
Nigeria’s success in Abuja adds to a series of positive developments across the country’s cricket programme.
The nation’s Under-19 women’s team has achieved the historic feat of qualifying for the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup for consecutive editions, while the men’s Under-19 team has secured promotion to Division One.
These achievements reflect the growing emphasis on grassroots development, youth participation and sustained investment in the sport.
The senior men’s team’s triumph over Uganda provides further momentum as Nigeria prepares for the next stage of the 2027 T20 World Cup qualifying campaign.
With an unbeaten record in Qualifier C and the championship secured on home soil, Nigeria will approach the next phase with renewed confidence.
The ultimate objective will be to build on the Abuja success and progress through the remaining qualifying rounds towards a place at the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
For Nigerian cricket, the dramatic victory over Uganda represents more than a tournament triumph: it is another step forward in the country’s ambition to establish itself among Africa’s leading cricket nations.