YellowGreens Make History with Dramatic One-Run Victory Over Uganda

Posted : 27 October 2026

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, made history with a dramatic one-run victory over Uganda at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The result ended Nigeria’s long wait for a first-ever men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) victory over Uganda and secured the tournament title.

Playing at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1, the hosts defended a target of 149 after scoring 148 runs in 19.4 overs. Uganda finished on 147 for nine in 20 overs after a tense final delivery, giving Nigeria a memorable victory against one of Africa’s established cricket nations.

Nigeria won the toss and elected to bat, with Isaac Danladi and Selim Salau providing a strong start. The opening partnership produced 68 runs from 7.2 overs, putting the hosts in a promising position.

Danladi led the scoring with 47 runs from 28 balls, including three fours and four sixes. Salau contributed 30 runs from 24 deliveries, while Ali Rahmon added 35 from 23 balls to help Nigeria post a competitive total.

Uganda’s Joseph Baguma was the most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 21 runs in four overs. His performance restricted Nigeria’s scoring in the middle and closing stages, but the hosts still managed to set a challenging target.

Uganda’s chase began poorly as Abdullahi Ismail dismissed Raghav Dhawan and Robinson Obuya to put Nigeria in control. However, captain Riazat Ali Shah revived the visitors’ hopes with an attacking innings.

Shah scored 60 runs from 36 deliveries, hitting three fours and five sixes. He received support from his teammates as Uganda fought to keep pace with the required run rate.

Nigeria responded through disciplined bowling. Sylvester Okpe claimed two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Shah, while Isaac Okpe also took two wickets for 18 runs. Abdullahi Ismail added two wickets, helping the hosts maintain pressure as the chase reached its decisive stages.

The match went down to the final over, with Uganda needing six runs to win. Vincent Adewoye began the over but could not complete it because of an injury, forcing Sylvester Okpe to take responsibility for the decisive deliveries.

Uganda needed two runs from the final ball to force a tie. Juma Miyagi managed a single before attempting a second, but he was run out, leaving Uganda on 147 for nine. Nigeria held on to secure a one-run victory and complete an unbeaten five-match campaign.

Danladi received the Player of the Match award for his crucial contribution with the bat. He also earned the Player of the Series honour after scoring 223 runs during the tournament. Salau was named Best Batter after accumulating 206 runs, including a century against The Gambia.

Nigeria captain Chima Akachukwu celebrated the historic achievement, praising the team's hard work and the coaching staff's contribution. He also thanked the Nigeria Cricket Federation's leadership and supporters for their backing throughout the competition.

The victory confirmed Nigeria as champions of the Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C, with Uganda finishing second. Both teams advanced to the 2027 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, joining Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya in the six-team qualifying stage on the road to the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Nigeria's unbeaten run in Abuja represents a significant step forward for the YellowGreens. Their victory over Uganda, achieved under intense pressure, provides fresh momentum as the team prepares for the next stage of its World Cup qualification campaign.

YellowGreens Make History with Dramatic One-Run Victory Over Uganda

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics