Cricket: Nigeria win second game ahead of Ghana clash

The Yellow-Greens, the Nigerian men’s cricket team, have won its opening two matches against Rwanda and Sierra Leone at the ongoing West Africa Trophy at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos.

In the opening match, Nigeria edged Rwanda with 57 runs in the 20 overs four-nation event.

Daniel Ajekun (28) and captain Sylvester Okpe (20) led the charge for Nigeria in the encounter that had them posting 127 runs for the loss of 8 wickets while the Rwandans were all out for 73 in 18.1 overs.

In the second match, Ghana opted to field after winning the toss against Sierra Leone and limited them to 95 for the loss of nine wickets, a score they upturned in 17.2 overs.

Nigeria again returned on the second day to pick their second victory against Sierra Leone, with the Yellow-Greens leaving 155 runs for the Sierra Leonians to defend.

The ‘Saros’ were all out in 18.5 over with 92 runs. Suleiman Runsewe put 79 runs on the board, which earned him player of the match award. Ghana also won its second match after a super-over with Rwanda.

Nigeria will face Ghana on Friday morning, with both teams having an unblemished score at the event so far.

Speaking about the clash on Thursday, George Edward Ngegba, Ghana’s captain, said their team is looking forward to the encounter mentally prepared.

He, however, admitted it would not be easy.

“When we play Nigeria, It is a big deal. We know how important it is and we are very ready for the game,” Ngegba said.

Rwanda and Sierra Leone will fight for points later in the day.

Wale Obalola, the vice-president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, said the event would test the federation’s capacity for event management and live broadcasting which he described as commendable, based on feedback.

“While the players compete for honours, we as a federation are very determined to leverage the opportunity to grow our administrative capacity,” Obalola said.