Cricket: Nigeria beat Rwanda to boost qualification hopes

Nigeria's Junior YellowGreens have strengthened their prospects of reaching Division One after a decisive seven-wicket victory over hosts Rwanda in a crucial ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup pathway qualifier. The match took place at the Gahanga Main Oval in Kigali.

Nigeria's bowlers were dominant, dismissing Rwanda for a mere 79 runs in 23.1 overs. Emmanuel Oladejo, Abdullahi Ismail, and Keneth Boniface each took three wickets, dismantling Rwanda's batting lineup. Despite a commendable bowling effort, Rwanda's captain Ali Rahmon noted that the team conceded too many extras in the early overs.

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We did a very good job restricting them to 80 runs all out, but I feel we should have done a bit better. We bowled a lot of extras in the first 10 overs. Maybe 50 or 60 runs would have been good.

Chasing a modest target of 80, Nigeria's openers, Rahmon and Hossana Omonkhobhio, laid a solid foundation with a 46-run partnership. Although wickets fell, Peculiar Egemasi and Keneth Boniface ensured Nigeria reached the target comfortably in 15.2 overs. Boniface, who also contributed with the ball, was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

This victory places Nigeria third in the standings with four points and a healthy net run rate. With two matches remaining against Mozambique U19 and Sierra Leone U19, the win provides vital momentum as Nigeria aims to secure its spot in Division One.

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If they are down, mostly the pressure will be up, so talk to them. Whether we miss or any bad thing, we have to talk to them and encourage them. That’s the main thing.