Nigeria’s national cricket teams delivered a confident Nigeria Double Victory to open the Nigeria Cricket Federation Quadrangular T20 Series, as Nigeria A defeated Sierra Leone by 33 runs before the senior side secured an eight-wicket win over Ghana at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval.
The opening fixture saw Nigeria A post 113 for eight in 20 overs after being put in to bat.
Also read: White House unveils Trump TV as media clash deepens
Olayinka Olaleye anchored the innings with a measured 25 off 32 balls, while Mohammed Taiwo added an unbeaten 28 from 20 deliveries to steady the late surge.
Hosannah Omonhhobhio’s quick 13 ensured the hosts set a competitive total on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers.
Sierra Leone struggled to build momentum in response and were bowled out for 80 in 19.5 overs.
Elochukwu Ndubudem delivered a decisive spell, claiming three wickets for 10 runs, while Mustapha Yussuf matched the impact with three wickets of his own.
Gafar Kareem chipped in with two wickets, underlining a disciplined bowling display that secured a 33-run win.
Ndubudem was named Player of the Match for his standout performance.
In the second game, the senior Nigeria side maintained the tempo with another composed outing against regional rivals Ghana.
After Ghana elected to bat, Nigeria’s bowlers imposed early control, restricting them to 91 for nine in 20 overs.
Judah Solomon led Ghana’s resistance with 35 off 44 balls, but consistent pressure from the Nigerian attack prevented any meaningful acceleration.
Miracle Akhigbe returned figures of two for 14, while Chima Akachukwu took two for 10 in a sharp spell that proved crucial. Peter Aho and Ridwan Abdulkareem added a wicket each as the bowling unit delivered a cohesive and effective performance.
The chase was completed with notable ease, as Isaac Danladi struck an unbeaten 52 from 41 balls, including six boundaries and a six.
Miracle Akhigbe contributed an unbeaten 19 off 11 balls, sealing the win in just 13 overs as Nigeria finished on 95 for two.
Speaking after the match, Danladi said the team’s approach was clear from the outset. “We wanted to start strong and build momentum early in the tournament. The bowlers set it up perfectly, and we just needed to finish the job calmly,” Isaac Danladi said.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation has positioned the quadrangular series as a key preparatory platform ahead of the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier, scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 18 to 25.
The competition also offers a blend of experienced internationals and emerging prospects an opportunity to compete at a higher level.
Under the guidance of high-performance manager Stephen Mangongo, who was appointed in May on a three-year deal, the national setup is undergoing a structured rebuild following the departure of former coach Steve Tikolo earlier in 2026.
Early indications from Lagos suggest a promising and disciplined unit beginning to take shape.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s fixtures, where Ghana face Sierra Leone before Nigeria take on Nigeria A in a potentially revealing encounter between the country’s top talents.
Also read: White House unveils Trump TV as media clash deepens
The Nigeria Double Victory provides an early boost, not only in points but in confidence, as the hosts aim to translate home dominance into continental success in the coming months.
