Nigeria Secure Double Victory in NCF Quadrangular T20 Tourney

Nigeria recorded a double victory on Monday as the senior national team and Nigeria A began their campaigns at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Quadrangular T20 Series in Lagos on a winning note.

Nigeria A defeated Sierra Leone by 33 runs in the opening match before the senior side cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Ghana at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval.

In the first game, Nigeria A posted 113 runs for eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs after being sent in to bat.

Olayinka Olaleye top-scored with 25 runs from 32 balls, while Mohammed Taiwo added an unbeaten 28 off 20 deliveries. Hosannah Omonhhobhio contributed 13 runs from 11 balls.

Sierra Leone struggled during their chase and were bowled out for 80 runs in 19.5 overs.

Elochukwu Ndubudem led Nigeria A’s bowling attack with three wickets for 10 runs in four overs, while Mustapha Yussuf also claimed three wickets. Gafar Kareem took two wickets.

Ndubudem was named Player of the Match after helping Nigeria A secure a comfortable 33-run victory.

The senior national team later produced another strong performance against Ghana.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Ghana managed 91 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs.

Judah Solomon top-scored for Ghana with 35 runs from 44 balls, while Philip Yevugah added 15 off 11 deliveries.

Nigeria’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Miracle Akhigbe taking two wickets for 14 runs from four overs. Chima Akachukwu also claimed two wickets for 10 runs in three overs.

Peter Aho and Ridwan Abdulkareem took one wicket each as Ghana struggled to build a competitive total.

Nigeria completed the chase in just 13 overs, finishing on 95 runs for two wickets.

Isaac Danladi starred with an unbeaten 52 from 41 balls, including six fours and a six, while Akhigbe finished unbeaten on 19 off 11 deliveries, hitting two sixes.

The two Nigerian teams are scheduled to face each other in the second game of Tuesday’s double-header, while Ghana will take on Sierra Leone in the opening fixture.

The quadrangular series is part of Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming international engagements, including the 2028 T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier scheduled for Abuja in October.

The national team has been working under high-performance manager Stephen Mangongo, who was appointed earlier this year.

Nigeria will be hoping to build on Monday’s victories as the tournament progresses.