NIGERIA AND UGANDA SERVE UP THRILLING FINALE AS THEY ADVANCE TO T20 WORLD CUP REGIONAL FINAL

Media Release

Nigeria win

  • Perfect campaign sends hosts Nigeria to Regional Final on road to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 

  • Uganda finish runners-up to secure the final spot 

  • Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya complete the six-team line-up

Nigeria and Uganda have secured their places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027 after finishing first and second, respectively, at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C in Abuja. 

They join Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya, who had already qualified through the continent’s first two Sub-Regional Qualifiers, completing the six-team line-up for Africa’s Regional Final on the road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. 

Hosts Nigeria secured their spot in style, winning five from five on home soil, while Uganda finished second with four victories of their own. 

The pair had already qualified before meeting in a fitting showdown on the final day, with top spot on the line. It was Nigeria who lifted the trophy in the most dramatic of fashion, claiming a thrilling one-run win at the NCF Oval 1. 

After being put into bat, Nigeria posted 148, with Isaac Danladi scoring 47. It didn’t look to be enough, as Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah struck 60 from 35 balls, leaving six to win from the final over.  

With three singles from the first five deliveries, Uganda required three to win and two to tie from the final ball, but in another dramatic twist, Nigeria bowler Vincent Adewoye couldn’t finish his over due to injury. Up stepped Sylvester Okpe to bowl to Juma Miyagi, who was run out trying to come back for a second, leaving Uganda one run short.  

Nigeria captain, Chima Akachukwu, said: “We are delighted to have won this tournament especially beating Uganda for the first time in a T20I game. It goes to show how far we have come; the boys have been working hard and the coach pushing us to our limits.  

“We thank everyone that believed in us and supported us, from the President, the Board, the staff, we are deeply grateful. To the other countries that participated, you can be proud of your performance as everyone tasted victory.” 

Danladi was named Player of the Series after scoring 223 runs and taking three catches, while teammate Selim Salau was named Best Batter with 206 runs and a sublime century against The Gambia to his name. 

Uganda’s Enock Kasaija was named Best Bowler for his 11 wickets, while The Gambia’s Bubacarr Kuyateh received the Best Fielder award with five catches. 

Zambia finished third in the standings, just ahead of Mozambique on net run rate, with Lesotho fifth and The Gambia sixth.