Cricket: Nigeria seal W’Cup promotion with tournament record

Nigeria secured their promotion to the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a staggering performance in the Africa Qualifier Division 2 tournament. The Junior Yellow Greens dominated Mozambique by an impressive 407 runs, posting a tournament-record total of 461 for the loss of just six wickets in 50 overs. Mozambique's batsmen were overwhelmed, managing only 54 runs in their 23 overs.

The Nigerian batsmen were the stars of the show, with Peculiar Egemasi and Edem Nyong among the top contributors. Egemasi and Nyong each scored centuries, with Egemasi smashing a brilliant 123 off 84 balls, including 18 fours and three sixes. Nyong's unbeaten innings of 137 from just 53 balls, featuring 11 fours and 12 sixes, was the turning point, propelling Nigeria to their massive victory.

Captain Ali Rahmon provided crucial support with a composed 41 off 46 balls, including eight boundaries. Opening partner Hossana Omonkhobhio also played a key role with a commanding 84 off 73 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes.

In the second innings, Mozambique's chase fell apart under Nigeria's relentless pressure. Kenneth Boniface took three crucial wickets for just 13 runs in three overs, while Princewill Chigozie claimed two more wickets for eight runs in eight overs, including four maidens.

Egemasi completed a remarkable all-round performance by finishing with three wickets for one run in one over. Nigeria's win moves them into second place in the qualification race with six points, trailing leaders Uganda by two points. Rwanda, which also finished with six points, and hosts Ghana and Sierra Leone, who have two points each, will face challenges in their pursuit of promotion.