Cricket: Runsewe reflects on Namibia tour

Nigeria's cricket captain, Sulaimon Runsewe, has reflected on the Yellow Greens' challenging outing at the recent Namibia Tri-Series, admitting that the team has significant work ahead following their winless campaign. The squad suffered defeats in all four matches, losing twice to hosts Namibia and twice to Hong Kong. This performance marks a tough start for the team as they navigate a rebuilding phase under their new head coach, Stephen Mangongo.

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It was great exposure for us. It didn’t go as we planned, but we take a lot of lessons from there.

Despite the disappointing results, Runsewe emphasized the positive aspects of the tour, viewing it as crucial exposure for a relatively new squad. He highlighted that the series allowed players to gain experience and better understand each other on the field. "It was great exposure for us. It didn’t go as we planned, but we take a lot of lessons from there," Runsewe stated. He also noted the team's fighting spirit, saying, "I think we fought really hard and it’s good to see the guys showing that kind of character."

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That was our first tour of the year, and it’s quite a new team. We are getting to know one another better on the pitch.

The Namibia tour served as the first international assignment for coach Mangongo, who was appointed in May. Since returning to Lagos, the team has resumed training at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval. Preparations are intensifying for their next major challenge: hosting the ICC Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in October. Nigeria will compete against Gambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia, with the top two teams advancing to the regional finals in the qualification race.

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Going forward, there is a lot of work to do. I think we fought really hard and it’s good to see the guys showing that kind of character.