Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, continued their imperious form at the ongoing West Africa Trophy in Abuja, securing hard-fought victories over Zambia and Sierra Leone to tighten their hold at the top of the standings.
The defending champions have now won five matches in a row. As the form guide stands, Nigeria remain the team to beat.
Nigeria’s Yellow Greens Enters as Defending Champions
Nigeria’s strong performances come after entering the tournament as favourites, having won the maiden edition in 2023 with an unbeaten record.
Led by Kenyan coach Steve Tikolo and captained by wicketkeeper Sulaimon Runsewe, the Yellow Greens are using this competition to build momentum after narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The squad also boasts established performers including;
- Selim Salau,
- Danladi Isaac,
- Rahmon Ali,
- the Okpe brothers (Isaac and Sylvester),
- Vincent Adewoye,
- Prosper Useni, and others.
Isaac Leads Nigeria to 23-Run Victory Over Zambia
Nigeria began Monday’s fixture on the back foot after Zambia won the toss and chose to bowl. Early dismissals saw the hosts lose Rahmon Ali and captain Sulaimon Runsewe inside the first 2.3 overs.
However, a masterful rescue effort from Danladi Isaac, who smashed 54 off 42 balls, rekindled Nigeria’s innings.
Supporting contributions came from Selim Salau (26 off 22) and Sylvester Okpe (30 off 29) as the Yellow Greens posted a competitive 158/8 in 20 overs.
Zambia threatened early in their chase thanks to Asim Mohammed’s 39 off 32, but Nigeria’s disciplined bowling unit quickly turned the tide.
All-rounder Isaac Okpe produced a spell for the ages, claiming 5 wickets in 4 overs, while Joshua Asia (3 wickets) and Sylvester Okpe (1 wicket) dismantled the Zambian batting order.
Zambia were eventually bowled out for 135 in 19 overs, falling 23 runs short.
With the win, Nigeria moved to 10 points, tightening their grip on top spot and placing one foot in the tournament final.
Rahmon Ali Stars as Nigeria Crush Sierra Leone by Nine Wickets
On Sunday, the Yellow Greens had delivered one of their most dominant displays, thrashing Sierra Leone by nine wickets in a one-sided affair at the NCF Oval.
Having chosen to bowl first, Nigeria unleashed relentless pressure on the visiting lineup, reducing Sierra Leone to 95 all out in 18.5 overs.
Only John Bangura (37 off 35) offered significant resistance, as Prosper Useni, Isaac Okpe, Joshua Asia, Sylvester Okpe, Isiyaku Okasha, and Vincent Adewoye combined for an efficient team bowling effort.
In response, Nigeria lost Selim Salau early, but debutant Rahmon Ali stole the show, unleashing a breathtaking 64 off 36 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes.
Captain Sulaimon Runsewe anchored from the other end with an unbeaten 21 off 30, guiding Nigeria to 98/1 in 11.2 overs.
Ali’s spectacular performance earned him another Player of the Match award.
Zambia’s Debut and Tournament Structure
Zambia, making their T20I debut after regaining ICC membership, replaced Ghana in this year’s tournament.
Led by captain Javid Patel, the Zambians have shown flashes of promise but have managed just one win so far.
The four participating teams (Nigeria, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda) will play each other three times in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on December 14.
Nigeria will face Rwanda today (Tuesday) in their third match of the second round-robin phase, seeking a sixth consecutive win before the tournament pauses on Wednesday.
With their bowling firing, their batting clicking, and team chemistry peaking at the perfect time, the Yellow Greens are now clear favourites to reach and possibly dominate the final once again.
