Nigeria Yellow Greens open 2025 West Africa Trophy against Zambia in Abuja, seeking to defend title and boost ICC ranking.

Nigeria Yellow Greens Eye West Africa Trophy Defence

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, will face Zambia in the opening match of the 2025 West Africa Trophy in Abuja on Thursday, December 4, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The Nigeria Cricket Federation confirmed that the tournament returns for its second edition after the maiden event in Lagos in 2023.

The Yellow Greens secured the inaugural trophy with an unbeaten record, defeating Rwanda by 18 runs in a thrilling final at Lagos’ Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval.

Sierra Leone and Rwanda also return for this year’s edition, while Zambia replaces Ghana in the four-team competition.

Following the opener against Zambia, Nigeria will play Sierra Leone on Friday, December 5, and Rwanda on Saturday, December 6.

The round-robin format sees each nation play three times, with the top two sides progressing to the final.

“The West Africa Trophy is a premier platform for strengthening cricket ties in Africa and giving teams international exposure,” said Musa Ehizoje, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Cricket Federation.

He added that the 2025 edition promises “an electrifying display of skill, grit and regional cricket excellence.”

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After missing qualification for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Nigeria aims to reclaim the West Africa Trophy and improve their ICC ranking following a seven-wicket defeat to Kenya in the African qualifiers.