Junior Yellow Greens Beat Ghana by Five Wickets to Revive U19 World Cup Bid

Posted : 11 August 2026

Nigeria's Junior Yellow Greens returned to winning ways with a convincing five-wicket victory over Ghana in the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Division Two Qualifier. The result at the Gahanga Oval in Rwanda revived Nigeria's hopes of advancing through the qualification pathway for the 2028 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup.

Nigeria produced a disciplined bowling display after Ghana chose to bat first. The West Africans were bowled out for only 93 runs in 35.5 overs, giving Nigeria a manageable target in the second innings.

Kenneth Boniface was the star performer for the Junior Yellow Greens. The all-rounder claimed four wickets to help dismantle Ghana's batting line-up before making 30 runs from 32 balls during Nigeria's successful chase.

Nigeria reached 96 for five in 22.2 overs to complete the victory with plenty of overs remaining. The five-wicket margin also provided a strong response after the team's narrow five-wicket defeat to Uganda in their opening match of the campaign.

Boniface had already impressed against Uganda, scoring 97 runs from 107 balls. His innings included nine fours and six sixes, although Nigeria eventually fell short after posting 176 all out.

Uganda chased down Nigeria's total at 178 for five in 38.2 overs. Samuel Ahaisibwe led the response with 72 runs, leaving Nigeria needing a strong performance against Ghana to keep their qualification campaign on track.

The victory over Ghana gives the Junior Yellow Greens important momentum before their next assignment against hosts Rwanda on Wednesday, August 12. Nigeria will then face Mozambique before completing their campaign against Sierra Leone.

The qualification tournament is being used as a pathway towards the 2028 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup. Nigeria are therefore competing for more than individual match results as they seek to progress through the African qualification system.

Boniface's contribution with both bat and ball was particularly significant. His four-wicket haul restricted Ghana to a low total, while his 30 runs helped Nigeria avoid another difficult chase and secure a much-needed victory.

The Junior Yellow Greens will now turn their attention to Rwanda. Another positive result would strengthen Nigeria's position and keep the team firmly in contention as the African qualifier continues.

Junior Yellow Greens Beat Ghana by Five Wickets to Revive U19 World Cup Bid

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