Nigeria bounced back from their earlier defeat to Nigeria A, beating their compatriots by two wickets in the reverse fixture of the Nigeria T20 Quadrangular Series. The match took place at the TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos on Friday. Chasing a target of 113, Nigeria reached 113 for eight in 19.1 overs to seal the win with five balls to spare. This victory avenged their 19-run loss to the same opponents earlier in the tournament.
Nigeria A had earlier been restricted to 112 in their 20 overs after being sent in to bat. The result narrows the gap between the two sides to one point, with two matches left for each team in the series. Prior to Friday's fixture, Nigeria A remained top of the standings after three wins from three games. Nigeria and Sierra Leone had three points each heading into the round, while Ghana remained without a point.
The two sides feature a mix of national team players and emerging prospects. Nigeria is using the Quadrangular Series as part of their build-up to the 2028 T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier. The qualifier is scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 18 to 25. The national team has been in camp under high-performance manager Stephen Mangongo. He was unveiled in May after signing a three-year deal with the Nigeria Cricket Federation.
Stephen Mangongo replaced Kenyan coach Steve Tikolo, who left the role earlier this year after more than three years in charge. Under Mangongo's leadership, the team is stepping up preparations for the upcoming qualifiers. The Quadrangular Series provides an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills and gain valuable experience.
The series also features Sierra Leone and Ghana, who are competing for a spot in the qualifiers. Nigeria's victory over Nigeria A has kept their chances alive in the tournament. The team's performance will be crucial in determining their ranking and qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Peter Akinbo reported the story for The Punch, a leading Nigerian newspaper. The Punch has been a prominent source of news and information in Nigeria for many years. Peter Akinbo has been covering sports for The Punch for close to two years, focusing on combat sports reporting, special features, and human angle stories.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation is working to promote cricket in the country. The federation has been investing in infrastructure and training programs to develop the sport. The Quadrangular Series is part of these efforts, providing a platform for Nigerian players to showcase their skills and compete against international teams.
Key points
- Nigeria beat Nigeria A by two wickets in the reverse fixture of the Nigeria T20 Quadrangular Series.
- The victory narrows the gap between the two sides to one point, with two matches left for each team in the series.
- Nigeria is using the Quadrangular Series as part of their build-up to the 2028 T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier.
