Nigeria’s rising profile in Cricket Sports in Africa was on full display at the weekend as the yellow-greens clinched the 2025 West Africa Trophy, defeating Rwanda by 40 runs in a thrilling final at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Oval.
The Yellow Greens delivered a commanding all-round performance — posting 157 for 5 and restricted Rwanda to 117 for 9 in their 20 overs.
After winning the toss, Nigeria chose to bat and set the tone early. Captain and wicketkeeper Runsewe Sulaimon led by example, scoring a calm and assured 34 off 26 balls, anchoring the innings through the middle overs.
The momentum surged late thanks to a powerful, unbeaten knock from Okpe Sylvester, who blasted 35 off just 22 deliveries, striking at an impressive rate and thrilling the crowd with two towering sixes.
Valuable support came from Selim Salau and Vincent Adewoye, as Nigeria closed on a competitive total that put pressure firmly on the Rwandan side.
In response, Rwanda struggled to find rhythm against Nigeria’s relentless bowling attack.
Though Didier Ndikubwimana and Khan Hamza offered resistance, the required run rate kept climbing as wickets fell regularly.
Nigeria’s bowlers were clinical. Ndubudem Elochukwu starred with a superb spell of 2 for 13, while Joshua Asia and Isaac Okpe hipped in with two wickets apiece, dismantling the Rwandan chase and sealing a famous home victory.
Rwanda eventually finished on 117 for 9, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 40-run win and sparking celebrations in Abuja.
This triumph not only crowns Nigeria Champions of West Africa but also underlines the nation’s steady rise as a cricketing force on the continent — a powerful statement of growth, depth, and ambition from the Nigeria Cricket Federation.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
