Nigeria and Uganda have secured spots in the Africa Regional Final for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after finishing in the top two of Sub-Regional Qualifier C. Nigeria won all five of their matches on home soil, while Uganda finished second with four victories.
Nigeria edge Uganda by one run
Both teams had already confirmed their progress before meeting on the final day, and Nigeria lifted the trophy with a one-run win off the final ball at Nigerian Cricket Federation Oval No.1.
Nigeria posted 148 after being put into bat, with Isaac Danladi scoring 47. Uganda pursued the target strongly, and Riazat Ali Shah made 60 from 35 balls to put his side in the driver’s seat.
Uganda needed just six runs from the last six deliveries, which left Nigeria on the back foot at the start of the final over. Nigeria’s Sylvester Okpe then stepped up as the hero. Okpe had not started the over, but he had to complete the work after Vincent Adewoye limped off with an injury.
Uganda required three to win and two to tie from the final ball, which Okpe bowled with his off-spin. Juma Miyaji was run out attempting a second run, leaving the Cricket Cranes one run short.
A first T20I win over Uganda
The victory marked the first time Nigeria had beaten Uganda in men’s T20 internationals. Nigeria skipper Chima Akachukwu praised the work of the wider Nigerian cricket community.
“We are delighted to have won this tournament especially beating Uganda for the first time in a T20I game. It goes to show how far we have come; the boys have been working hard and the coach (Stephen Maziva Mangongo) pushing us to our limits,” Akachukwu said.
“We thank everyone that believed in us and supported us, from the President, the Board, the staff, we are deeply grateful. To the other countries that participated, you can be proud of your performance as everyone tasted victory.”
Uganda crush Mozambique
Earlier in the tournament, Uganda beat Mozambique by 10 wickets in the Sub-Regional Qualifier C.
Regional Final line-up complete
Nigeria and Uganda join Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya, who had already qualified through the continent’s first two Sub-Regional Qualifiers. Together they complete the six-team line-up for Africa’s Regional Final on the road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. The top two teams from that final will advance to a global qualifier.
Fellow African side Namibia already have a place in the global qualifier through their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe have also qualified for the T20 World Cup 2028, having finished in the Super 8 earlier this year.