Nigeria Defeat Zambia Face Sierra Leone Next Match

Nigeria Defeat Zambia Face Sierra Leone Next Match 

By Admin 

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, made a strong start to their West Africa Trophy campaign in Abuja with a 19-run victory over Zambia, powered by an impressive all-round performance from Prosper Useni of No Limit Cricket Club, Benin City, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to Platinum News, Zambia won the toss and elected to field, putting Nigeria in to bat in the tournament’s opening fixture. The hosts responded by posting 138 for 8 in 20 overs, with the Okpe brothers anchoring the innings. Isaac Okpe top-scored with 35, while Sylvester Okpe contributed 23, combining for a crucial 58-run stand.

They were well supported by middle-order runs from Isaac Danladi (27) and Salau Selim (17), while Vincent Adewoye (9), Prosper Useni (6), and Daniel Ajekun (5) added valuable lower-order contributions to set a defendable target.

Defending 139, the Yellow Greens delivered a disciplined bowling display. Useni, Adewoye, and Isaac Okpe shared all 10 wickets, applying consistent pressure that ensured Zambia fell short at 119.

Useni emerged as the standout performer, taking four wickets with an exceptional economy rate of 3.50, earning him the Most Valuable Player award. Adewoye also claimed four wickets but finished with a higher economy rate of 6.00.

In the day’s other match, Rwanda defeated Sierra Leone by seven wickets after bowling them out for 47 in 11.5 overs and chasing down the target in 10.3 overs with three wickets down.

The result places Rwanda at the top of the standings with two points and a net run rate (NRR) of 2.221, while Nigeria sit second, also on two points but with an NRR of 0.950.

The Yellow Greens will face Sierra Leone next on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the NCF Pitch in Abuja, as they aim to sustain their early momentum in the tournament.