Nigeria's cricket teams made a strong start to the Nigeria Cricket Federation Quadrangular T20 Series, winning both their opening matches on Monday at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos. Nigeria A defeated Sierra Leone by 33 runs, posting 113/8 in 20 overs, with Olayinka Olaleye top-scoring at 25 off 32 balls. Mohammed Taiwo added 28 off 20 balls, and Hosannah Omonhhobhio contributed 13 from 11 deliveries.
In response, Sierra Leone struggled and were bowled out for 80 in 19.5 overs. Elochukwu Ndubudem was the standout Nigerian bowler, taking three wickets for 10 runs in four overs. Mustapha Yussuf also claimed three wickets, and Gafar Kareem took two. Ndubudem's performance earned him the Player of the Match award. This win set the tone for Nigeria's campaign in the tournament.
The senior Nigeria side then faced Ghana in the second match of the day. Ghana won the toss and elected to bat, but Nigeria's bowlers kept them under pressure throughout the innings. Judah Solomon top-scored for Ghana with 35 off 44 balls, while Philip Yevugah made 15 off 11. Miracle Akhigbe and Chima Akachukwu took two wickets each, and Peter Aho and Ridwan Abdulkareem took one wicket each, restricting Ghana to 91/9 in 20 overs.
Nigeria chased down the target in just 13 overs, with Isaac Danladi leading the way with an unbeaten 52 off 41 balls, including six fours and a six. Miracle Akhigbe provided the finishing flourish with an unbeaten 19 off 11 balls, including two sixes, as Nigeria reached 95/2 to win by eight wickets. This convincing victory marked a strong start for the senior team.
The two Nigerian teams will face each other in the second game of Tuesday's double-header at the TBS Cricket Oval. Ghana will face Sierra Leone in the opening game before Nigeria and Nigeria A meet. These matches will provide valuable opportunities for teams to fine-tune their skills ahead of upcoming international engagements.
The Yellow Greens are expected to use the quadrangular series as part of their preparations for the 2028 T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Abuja from October 18 to 25. The national team has been in camp under new high-performance manager Stephen Mangongo, who was unveiled in May after signing a three-year deal with the Nigeria Cricket Federation.
Mangongo replaced Kenyan coach Steve Tikolo, who left the role earlier this year after more than three years in charge. With this series, Nigeria aims to make a strong impression under their new management and build momentum for future international competitions.
Key points
- Nigeria's cricket teams win opening matches in NCF Quadrangular T20 Series.
- Nigeria A defeats Sierra Leone by 33 runs, and the senior side beats Ghana by eight wickets.
- The teams will face each other in the next match, part of their preparations for the 2028 T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier.
