T20 cricket: Aho shines as Nigeria extends lead over Sierra Leone

Yellow-Green, Nigeria’s cricket team, won the T20 bilateral series after an unassailable 4-1 lead over Sierra Leone on Sunday ahead of the final game on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s Peter Aho also emerged as the most valuable player on the day, with a magnificent performance that turned him into an attraction before the spectators that thronged the UNILAG cricket oval venue of the series.

The Sierra Leoneans, despite having the experienced Samuel Conteh scoring 34 runs, were bowled out for 71 all out in 17.4 overs, thanks to the ingenious bowling from the young player.

Aho, who missed games 3 and 4, made the fifth game count as he ripped through the batting lineup of Sierra Leone to grab 6 wickets for 5 runs in 3.4 overs.

The left-handed batter, who scored the Junior Yellow Greens’ winning run against Sierra Leone at the U-19 African qualifiers to book a historic U-19 maiden Cricket World Cup, came back stronger on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, Aho attributed his success to God, mentorship from Ashanka Gurusinha, the senior national team coach, and his teammates.

For the efforts of the Edo state-born cricketer in game 5, he got a plaque and $100, courtesy of Edo State Cricket Association.

The gift was presented by Uyi Akpata, president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), who praised other bowlers as well.

“Prior to the start of Sunday’s match and I told all the bowlers that the ground was best suited for them to excel. I am so excited that Peter, who I watched grow his cricket career, created history by taking 6 wickets for 5 runs,” Akpata said.

“It’s been less than one month that this new board was inaugurated and to witness the stride in this series is a sign of great things to come.”