Nigeria Shocks Uganda to Win Africa World Cup Qualifier C

Nigeria pulled off an amazing last-minute win over Uganda by just one run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1 in Abuja on Sunday.

This time, Nigeria broke their long losing streak against Uganda, having lost all their previous 13 T20I matches. The victory was thrilling and marked a special moment for the team.

With this win, Nigeria completed a perfect five-match run in the qualifier. They claimed the Africa Sub-Regional C title and secured a spot in the next round of the qualifying series set for next year.

Nigeria batted first after winning the toss. They were bowled out for 148 runs in 19.4 overs. Isaac Danladi led the team with a quick 47 runs off 28 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes.

Selim Salau added 30 runs off 24 balls, while Ali Rahmon contributed 35 runs off 23 balls. Despite a strong start, Nigeria lost wickets frequently. Uganda’s Joseph Baguma took four wickets for 21 runs.

Nigeria seemed to be losing their grip after reaching 129 for six. But their lower-order players dug deep to push the score to 148 runs.

Uganda's chase started off looking good. Riazat Ali Shah, who had given Nigeria trouble in past games, scored 60 runs off 36 balls, hitting three fours and five sixes. He formed a strong 78-run partnership with Olipa Gerald, who made 18 runs, putting Uganda in a good position.

However, Nigeria fought back with their bowlers. Sylvester Okpe took down both Riazat and Gerald. Isaac Okpe also grabbed two wickets, including Alpesh Ramjani for 20 runs. Uganda fell from 108 for four to 117 for six before they managed to rebuild with Ramjani and Cyrus Kakuru.

Going into the last over, Uganda was at 143 for seven and needed just six runs to win. Nigeria seemed to be on the edge of defeat. Vincent Adewoye held his nerve and gave away only four runs in the first five balls of the final over. Cyrus Kakuru got out for 11 runs.

Uganda then needed two runs from the final ball to tie the game. But Juma Miyagi was run out after scoring just one run, leaving Uganda at 147 for nine. Nigeria managed to keep their cool and secured what could be their most important victory of the qualifier.