Nigeria's YellowGreens produced a dominant all-round display to secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over Mozambique in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C.
Mozambique won the toss and elected to bat first, but struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Nigerian bowling attack.
Opener Joao Huo gave his side a bright start with a couple of early boundaries, but Jose Bulele's laboured 5 off 17 balls stalled progress, leaving Mozambique on 30 runs at the end of the power play.
Huo remained the mainstay of the innings with 35 off 31 balls before departing in the 11th over with the score on 46. Agostinho Abilio tried to inject some life into the innings with a quickfire 20 off 12 balls, but Nigeria kept the pressure on and prevented any late revival.
Mozambique were eventually bowled out for 93 in 19.4 overs, thanks largely to a sensational spell from Isaac Okpe, who claimed 4 wickets for just 3 runs in 3.4 overs, including three maidens. He was well supported by Ridwan Kareem (2/9) and Miracle Akhigbe (2/17).
Chasing 94 for victory, Nigeria wasted no time. Openers Selim Salau and Ali Rahmon came out firing, taking the attack to the Mozambican bowlers from the outset.
Salau smashed 21 off 9 balls before falling in the third over, but Rahmon maintained the momentum. Nigeria raced to 72 runs at the end of the power play, putting the result beyond doubt.
Rahmon top-scored with a blistering 41 off 24 balls, while captain Sylvester Okpe chipped in with a six before both fell in the same over.
Despite the double setback, Nigeria completed the chase at 94 for 3 in just 8.2 overs to seal an emphatic win.
Isaac Okpe was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance that laid the foundation for Nigeria's comprehensive victory.
