Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens have strengthened their bid to return to Division One of the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup pathway after defeating hosts Rwanda by seven wickets in Kigali.
Nigeria bowled Rwanda out for 79 runs in 23.1 overs at the Gahanga Main Oval before reaching 84 for three in just 15.2 overs. The victory leaves Nigeria firmly in contention with two matches remaining.
The bowlers led the charge, with Emmanuel Oladejo taking 3/9, Abdullahi Ismail claiming 3/19 and Keneth Boniface returning figures of 3/22. Nigeria then made a confident start to the chase, with captain Ali Rahmon and Hossana Omonkhobhio sharing a 46-run opening partnership.
Rahmon scored 24, while Omonkhobhio made 18 before Peculiar Egemasi added an unbeaten 19. Boniface finished unbeaten on seven, including a six that sealed the victory, and was named Player of the Match after his all-round performance.
Rahmon praised the bowlers but said the team needed to reduce the number of extras conceded, while Boniface stressed the importance of teamwork and encouraging teammates under pressure.
Nigeria now sit third with four points and a net run rate of 1.531. The Junior YellowGreens will face Mozambique U-19 and Sierra Leone U-19 in their remaining matches as they continue their push for qualification.
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