West Africa Trophy: Nigeria Faces Tough Oppositions

West Africa Trophy: Nigeria Faces Tough Oppositions

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket national team, the Yellow Greens, will begin their title defence against Zambia in the opening match of the 2025 West Africa Trophy in Abuja on Thursday, December 4, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigeria Cricket Federation confirmed that the second edition of the regional competition will take place in the nation’s capital, following the successful maiden edition held in Lagos in 2023.

The Yellow Greens dominated the inaugural tournament, finishing unbeaten and securing an exciting 18-run victory over Rwanda in a nerve-racking final at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos in October 2023.

Sierra Leone and Ghana were the other participants in that historic edition.

For the 2025 tournament, Rwanda and Sierra Leone will return to compete once again, while Zambia replace Ghana and will provide Nigeria’s first challenge in the opening fixture.

Following the clash with Zambia, Nigeria will face Sierra Leone on Friday, December 5, before taking on familiar rivals Rwanda on Saturday, December 6.

The four nations will compete in a triple round-robin format, with each team facing the others three times.

The top two sides at the end of the round phase will advance to the grand final to determine the new champion.

With a growing reputation in African cricket and the advantage of home support, the Yellow Greens will aim to maintain their dominance but they must overcome tough opposition to retain their crown.