Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens produced a record-breaking batting display at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2 in Kigali, Rwanda, defeating Mozambique U19 by a massive 407 runs at the IPRC Oval.
A press statement signed by Zeal Ibe, Media Manager, Nigeria Cricket Federation today said, the Junior YellowGreens posted a -high 461/6 in 50 overs, before bowling Mozambique out for just 54 in 23 overs to secure one of the biggest victories of the competition.
Nigeria’s imposing total was built around four outstanding batting performances, with captain Ali Rahmon, Hossana Omonkhobhio, Peculiar Egemasi and Bright Edem Nyong contributing a combined 385 runs—more than 83 per cent of the team’s total.
Captain Rahmon set the tone at the top of the order with a composed 41 off 46 balls, including eight boundaries. His innings provided the stability Nigeria needed before the middle order took complete control of the contest.
Opening partner Omonkhobhio also played a crucial role, striking 84 from 73 deliveries, with 11 fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 115.07. He carried Nigeria’s attack deep into the middle overs before being dismissed at 210/3 in the 28th over.
Egemasi then accelerated the scoring with a magnificent 123 off 84 balls, smashing 18 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 146.43.
His century dismantled the Mozambique bowling attack and earned him the Player of the Match award. Egemasi later completed an outstanding all-round performance by taking 3/1 from one over with the ball.
But the biggest fireworks came from Nyong, who produced one of the most destructive innings of the tournament.
The youngster smashed an unbeaten 137 off just 53 balls, hitting 11 fours and 12 sixes at an extraordinary strike rate of 258.49. His assault propelled Nigeria to 461/6 at the end of the 50th over.
With the batters having set an imposing target, Nigeria’s bowlers completed the job with equal ruthlessness.
Kenneth Boniface led the attack with 3/13 from three overs, while Princewill Chigozie delivered an outstanding spell of 2/8 from eight overs, including four maidens.
Mozambique struggled throughout their chase and were eventually bowled out for just 54 in 23 overs, handing Nigeria a commanding 407-run victory.
The emphatic win has strengthened the Junior YellowGreens’ position in the qualification race, moving Nigeria into second place on the tournament log with one fixture remaining against Sierra Leone U19.
The final match will now provide Nigeria with an opportunity to finish the campaign strongly and further strengthen its qualification prospects.
The victory also underlined the depth and quality within Nigeria’s U19 setup, with Rahmon providing leadership, Omonkhobhio building the foundation, Egemasi producing a commanding century and Nyong delivering an explosive unbeaten finish.
Match Summary
Nigeria U19: 461/6 (50 overs)
Mozambique U19: 54 all out (23 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 407 runs.
With second place secured and Sierra Leone awaiting in their final fixture, the Junior YellowGreens have produced a powerful statement of intent in their bid to return to Division One of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup qualification pathway.
