Nigeria's Junior YellowGreens secured a crucial seven-wicket victory over hosts Rwanda in the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup pathway qualifier at the Gahanga Main Oval in Kigali, strengthening their bid to return to Division One.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria dismissed Rwanda for just 79 runs in 23.1 overs before comfortably reaching 84 for three in 15.2 overs. The win keeps Nigeria firmly in contention with two matches remaining in the qualification campaign.
Bowlers Dominate from the Outset
Nigeria's bowlers controlled the match from the start, preventing Rwanda from building any meaningful partnerships. Emmanuel Oladejo led the attack with impressive figures of 3/9 from five overs, including two maiden overs. Abdullahi Ismail claimed 3/19 from seven overs, while Keneth Boniface returned 3/22 from six overs, including two maidens.
Rwanda struggled against Nigeria's disciplined bowling and were bowled out for 79 after regular breakthroughs. Captain Ali Rahmon praised the bowling effort but noted areas for improvement.
“We did a very good job restricting them to 80 runs all out, but I feel we should have done a bit better. We bowled a lot of extras in the first 10 overs. Maybe 60 or 50 runs would have been good,” Rahmon said.
Chase Completed with Confidence
Chasing 80 for victory, Nigeria made a confident start through Rahmon and Hossana Omonkhobhio. The pair shared a 46-run opening partnership, laying a solid platform. Rahmon scored 24 from 38 balls with three boundaries, while Omonkhobhio made 18 from 19 deliveries, including three fours and a six, before the partnership ended in the ninth over.
Despite losing wickets, Nigeria maintained control of the chase. Peculiar Egemasi contributed an unbeaten 19 from 20 balls, while Boniface completed an outstanding all-round display with an unbeaten seven from five deliveries, including a six. His late boundary sealed victory with more than 34 overs to spare.
Boniface was named Player of the Match after taking three wickets and helping finish the chase. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication.
“If they are down, mostly the pressure will be up, so talk to them. Whether we miss or any bad thing, we have to talk to them and encourage them. That’s the main thing,” Boniface said.
Standings and Remaining Fixtures
After three matches, Nigeria occupy third place on the standings with four points and a healthy net run rate of 1.531. The Junior YellowGreens will next face Mozambique U19 and Sierra Leone U19 in their remaining fixtures. The victory over Rwanda provides valuable momentum as the team pursues a return to Division One.
