Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, have successfully defended their West Africa Trophy title after a convincing 40-run victory over Rwanda in the final at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Nigeria posted a competitive 157 for five in their allotted 20 overs. The hosts made a steady start, with captain Sulaimon Runsewe and Rahmon Ali adding 30 runs in the opening overs.

Ali departed for 11 in the fourth over, but Selim Salau kept the innings on track with 25 off 25 balls. Contributions from Isaac Danladi, Vincent Adewoye and Sylvester Okpe ensured Nigeria maintained a healthy run rate of 7.85, closing on 157/5.

Rwanda’s chase began promisingly, as openers Khan Hamza and Didier Ndikubwima stitched together a 50-run partnership. Ndikubwima scored 33 off 38 balls, while Jean Iradukunda added an unbeaten 25, but the chase lost momentum after the powerplay.

Nigeria’s bowlers, led by Isaac Okpe, Joshua Asia and Elochukwu Ndudubem—each claiming two wickets—restricted Rwanda to 117 for nine, sealing a comfortable win.

Earlier in the tournament, Nigeria won eight of nine matches, losing only once to Rwanda. The final marked the 10th meeting between the two sides, with Nigeria retaining the title they first won in Lagos in 2023.

Individually, Danladi was named Best Batter with 324 runs, while Rwanda’s Muhammad Nadir earned Best Bowler with 15 wickets. Zambia’s Zoyeb Chand was named Most Valuable Player, while Nigeria’s Runsewe claimed Best Fielder honours.

Zambia finished third after defeating Sierra Leone earlier in the day, rounding off a competitive tournament.