Nigeria and Uganda have secured spots in the 2027 Africa Regional Final for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by finishing in the top two of Sub-Regional Qualifier C.
Nigeria edge Uganda by one run
Nigeria won all five of their matches on home soil to top the group, while Uganda finished second with four wins. The two sides had already confirmed their progress before meeting on the final day, and Nigeria took the trophy with a one-run victory off the final ball at Nigerian Cricket Federation Oval No.1.
Uganda bowled first and restricted Nigeria to 148, with Isaac Danladi scoring 47. Uganda chased well. Riazat Ali Shah hit 60 from 35 balls to put the Ugandans in the driver’s seat.
Nigeria then struck back in the final over. Uganda needed just six runs from the last six deliveries, but Sylvester Okpe stepped up as the hero for Nigeria. Okpe had not started the over, but he had to finish the job after Vincent Adewoye limped off with an injury.
Uganda needed three to win and two to tie from the final ball. Okpe bowled an off-spinner, and Juma Miyaji was run out trying to complete a second run, leaving the Cricket Cranes one run short.
The win marked the first time Nigeria had beaten Uganda in men’s T20 internationals. Nigerian captain Chima Akachukwu praised the effort of the entire cricket community.
“We are delighted to have won this tournament especially beating Uganda for the first time in a T20I game. It goes to show how far we have come; the boys have been working hard and the coach (Stephen Maziva Mangongo) pushing us to our limits,” Akachukwu said.
“We thank everyone that believed in us and supported us, from the President, the Board, the staff, we are deeply grateful. To the other countries that participated, you can be proud of your performance as everyone tasted victory.”
Uganda beat Mozambique by 10 wickets
Earlier in the tournament, Uganda beat Mozambique by 10 wickets.
Six teams set for Africa Regional Final
Nigeria and Uganda join Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya, who had already qualified through the first two Sub-Regional Qualifiers. That completes the six-team line-up for the Africa Regional Final. The top two teams from that event advance to a global qualifier.
Namibia already hold a place in the global qualifier through their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe have also qualified for the T20 World Cup in 2028 after finishing in the Super 8 stage of the same tournament earlier this year.