Nigeria's senior men's cricket team, the YellowGreens, have qualified for the 2027 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final after thrashing Lesotho by seven wickets at the Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
The victory on Saturday, October 24, 2026, maintained Nigeria's unbeaten run in the tournament and moved the team a step closer to qualification for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Lesotho won the toss and opted to bat first, but struggled from the outset against Nigeria's disciplined bowling attack.
The visitors were bundled out for just 62 runs in 12.5 overs, with the YellowGreens dictating proceedings throughout the innings.
Captain Chima Akachukwu led by example, taking 4 wickets for 14 runs in 3.5 overs, including a maiden over, to rip through the Lesotho batting order. He was well supported by Elochukwu Ndubudem who claimed 2 for 4 in 2 overs, Kenneth Boniface with 2 for 14, and Mohammed Taiwo who picked up one wicket.
Tsepiso Chaoana was the only batter to offer resistance for Lesotho, finishing unbeaten on 26 off 18 balls, but his effort was not enough to lift his side.
In reply, Nigeria had a brief wobble, losing three early wickets, but recovered to reach 65 for 3 in just 7.4 overs, winning with 74 balls to spare.
Ridwan Abdulkareem anchored the chase with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls, hitting three fours and a six, while Miracle Akhigbe finished not out on 26 off 25 balls with four boundaries. Their unbeaten partnership guided Nigeria home comfortably and underlined the team's batting depth.
The win reinforces Nigeria's dominance on home soil, built on tight bowling, composed batting and strong teamwork.
With qualification for the Regional Final now sealed, the YellowGreens will face Uganda in their final group match on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as they look to finish the sub-regional campaign unbeaten.
