Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens have secured promotion back to Division One of the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier after finishing runners-up in the Division Two tournament in Rwanda.
Nigeria sealed the promotion in style, defeating Sierra Leone by 165 runs in their final match at Gahanga B Oval, Kigali. The Junior YellowGreens posted 311 runs for nine wickets in 50 overs before bowling Sierra Leone out for 146 in 45.5 overs.
Keneth Boniface was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten century off 74 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes. Captain Ali Rahmon also contributed 74 runs from 88 balls, while Daniel Ayodele and Pelumi Orimolade claimed three wickets each as Nigeria’s bowling attack restricted Sierra Leone.
The victory was Nigeria’s fourth in five matches, securing second place and a return to Division One. The promotion represents an important step in the development of the country’s young cricketers after a strong campaign characterised by disciplined bowling, solid batting and individual brilliance.
Nigeria will now join Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda in Division One, where the Junior YellowGreens will face stronger opposition as they continue their quest for a place at the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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