‘We won’t disappoint Nigerians’ — Junior Yellow-Greens vow to get U-19 cricket W’Cup ticket

Kareem Gafar, captain of the Junior Yellow-Greens of Nigeria, has promised that the team will not disappoint at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) under 19 men’s World Cup African qualifiers. 

The qualification tournament is billed to be held in Lagos from March 28 to April 6.

Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and host Nigeria will compete for Africa’s sole ticket to the World Cup during the 10-day tournament.

Gafar recognised the “pressure” on the Nigerian team but added that the Junior Yellow-Greens would get the job done.

“The pressure is on me and my mates to ensure that our country wins the ticket, and we will not disappoint,” he said.

For his part, Francois du Plessis, Namibia’s captain, said his team’s victory in the qualifiers will emphasise a key factor in the country’s cricket.

“Our ambition is two-prong. We want to win the ticket and also demonstrate how far cricket has evolved in our country,” he said.

On Friday, the tournament’s opening day, Nigeria will face Namibia at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Oval. At the same time, Kenya will take on Sierra Leone at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Oval.