Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team opened their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign with a commanding 160-run victory over The Gambia in Abuja on Tuesday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Yellow Greens scored an impressive 262 runs for one wicket in 20 overs. The Gambia were subsequently bowled out for 102 runs in 17.2 overs.
Wicketkeeper-batter Selim Salau led Nigeria’s batting performance with an unbeaten 105 off 58 balls, including 12 fours and three sixes.
Isaac Danladi contributed 86 runs from 48 balls before becoming Nigeria’s first wicket at 197 runs in the 16.4th over. Isaac Okpe added an explosive unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, hitting three fours and six sixes.
The Gambia struggled during their chase, with Andre Jarju scoring 39 off 38 balls and Frank Campbell adding 25 off 20 deliveries.
Nigeria’s bowlers completed the dominant performance, with Ridwan Abdulkareem and Sylvester Okpe taking three wickets each.
The Yellow Greens will face Zambia on Wednesday as they continue their pursuit of a place in the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final. Six countries are competing for two qualification spots.
