Cricket: Nigeria beat Rwanda to boost qualification hopes

Nigeria's Junior YellowGreens secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over hosts Rwanda in Kigali during the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier, bolstering their hopes of advancing to Division One. The match took place at the Gahanga Main Oval and saw Nigeria dismiss Rwanda for 79 runs in 23.1 overs before posting 84 for three in 15.2 overs to clinch the win. With two matches remaining in the qualification campaign, the Junior YellowGreens remain in the running for promotion, currently sitting third on the standings with four points and a net run rate of 1.531. Nigeria’s bowlers controlled the proceedings from the outset, limiting Rwanda’s ability to construct substantial partnerships. Emmanuel Oladejo led the charge with figures of 3/9 from five overs, including two maiden overs, while Abdullahi Ismail and Keneth Boniface each took three wickets, Ismail with 3/19 from seven overs and Boniface with 3/22 from six overs, including two maidens. Rwanda struggled under the pressure of Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack and were eventually dismissed for 79 after regular breakthroughs. Captain Ali Rahmon acknowledged the team’s effective 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,” he said. “We bowled a lot of extras in the first 10 overs. Maybe 60 or 50 runs would have been good.” Despite the praise, Rahmon emphasized the need for stronger performances with the bat, particularly in the upcoming match against Rwanda. In the chase, Nigeria started confidently with Rahmon and Hossana Omonkhobhio forming a solid first-wicket partnership of 46 runs. Rahmon scored 24 from 38 balls with three boundaries, while Omonkhobhio contributed 18 from 19 deliveries, including three fours and a six. The partnership ended in the ninth over, but the foundation laid by the duo allowed Nigeria to maintain control of the chase despite losing wickets. Peculiar Egemasi added an unbeaten 19 from 20 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking, while Boniface delivered a crucial final flourish with an unbeaten seven from five deliveries, including a six, to seal the victory. Boniface was named Player of the Match for his all-around contributions, taking three wickets and playing a pivotal role in the successful chase. Reflecting on the win, Boniface stressed the importance of communication and support within the team. “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,” he said. Nigeria’s recent form has shown signs of improvement following a narrow five-wicket defeat to Uganda in their opening game. A commanding five-wicket victory over Ghana earlier in the tournament helped restore confidence, with Boniface once again starring as the standout performer. His 30 off 32 balls, including four fours and a six, earned him the Player of the Match award for that game. The win over Ghana came after a loss to Uganda, and the team is now focused on maintaining momentum as they prepare for their next fixtures. Nigeria will face Mozambique U19 and Sierra Leone U19 in their remaining matches, with the results likely to determine their fate in the qualification race. The victory over Rwanda provides a positive boost as the team continues its pursuit of a return to Division One. With the competition heating up, the Junior YellowGreens aim to capitalize on their current form and secure a spot in the top tier.