Nigeria's Junior Yellow Greens suffered a setback in their
bid for a 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup spot, losing their opening game to Namibia by
10 runs at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos on Friday.
Hosting the final phase of the ICC Africa qualifiers, Nigeria
is competing alongside five other teams for the tournament’s sole qualification
ticket.
Namibia’s captain, Francois Du Plessis, won the toss and
opted to bat first, sending Nigeria’s bowlers into action. Despite a strong
bowling performance led by Ukasha Isiyaku—who took five wickets for just five
runs—Namibia managed to post a total of 133/10 in 47.5 overs. Azeez Warees also
impressed, securing three wickets.
Max Heingo was Namibia’s standout batter, scoring 22 runs off
20 balls.
In the chase, Nigeria got off to a promising start, reaching
50 runs in just 9.4 overs, with Rahmon Ali leading the charge. However, the
momentum slowed after Ali was dismissed by Du Plessis in the 14th over. Ali
finished with a solid 53 runs off 46 balls, including four fours and three
sixes, but Nigeria fell short, finishing at 123/10 in 40.2 overs.
Nigeria will look to bounce back on Sunday against Tanzania,
while Namibia faces Sierra Leone on Saturday at the UNILAG Cricket Oval.
Meanwhile, in the second match of the opening day, Kenya
secured a commanding 58-run victory over Sierra Leone.
