Yellow Greens Retain West Africa Trophy With 40-Run Final Win
By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE
NIGERIA’S senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, clinched the second edition of the West Africa Trophy after a convincing 40-run victory over Rwanda at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Winning the toss and choosing to bat, the hosts posted a competitive 157 for five in their 20 overs, with solid contributions spread across the batting order.
Captain Sulaimon Runsewe and Rahmon Ali laid a steady foundation during the powerplay, reaching 30 without loss before Ali was dismissed for 11. Selim Salau then added impetus with a brisk 25, while middle-order batters Isaac Danladi, Vincent Adewoye and Sylvester Okpe maintained a healthy scoring rate to push Nigeria to a strong total.
Rwanda began their chase positively through openers Khan Hamza and Didier Ndikubwima, who shared a 50-run stand. However, once Hamza fell shortly after the powerplay, Nigeria’s bowlers seized control. Despite Ndikubwima’s 33 and an unbeaten 25 from Jean Iradukunda, Rwanda struggled to keep pace and finished on 117 for nine.
Nigeria’s bowling attack, led by Isaac Okpe, Joshua Asia and Elochukwu Ndudubem, claimed two wickets each to seal the win. The triumph capped a dominant tournament run for Nigeria, who won eight of their nine group games, retained the title won in Lagos in 2023, and celebrated individual honours including Danladi as Best Batter and Runsewe as Best Fielder.
