By Zeal IBE
Abuja, Nigeria – December 8, 2025.
Day 5 of the West Africa Trophy produced another round of electrifying cricket at the NCF Pitch, as both Nigeria and Rwanda extended their perfect runs with commanding victories. The race for the Championship Final now intensifies, highlighted by standout individual performances that lifted the competition to new heights.
Match 9: Rwanda vs. Sierra Leone
Rukiriza Emile’s Five-Wicket Masterclass Seals 58-Run Win for Rwanda
Rwanda continued their impressive form in the morning fixture, overpowering Sierra Leone to strengthen their push toward the final.
Match Summary
Toss: Sierra Leone elected to field
Rwanda Innings: 126/10 (19.4 overs)
Sierra Leone Innings: 68/10 (16.1 overs)
Result: Rwanda won by 58 runs
Rwanda posted a competitive total of 126, anchored by Niyomugabo Isaie’s composed 42 off 31 balls. The bowling unit then took control, led by a sensational performance from Player of the Match, Rukiriza Emile, who delivered one of the tournament’s best spells — 5 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs. His brilliance dismantled Sierra Leone’s chase and sealed an emphatic victory.
Player of the Match: Rukiriza Emile (Rwanda)
Match 10: Nigeria vs. Zambia
Isaac Okpe’s Historic Five-Wicket Haul Keeps YellowGreens Unstoppable
Nigeria maintained their unbeaten record with a disciplined 23-run victory over Zambia in the afternoon clash.
The YellowGreens’ innings started brightly with Selim Salua’s energetic 26 off 22 balls, followed by a pivotal half-century from Danladi Isaac (54 off 42). Former captain Sylvester Okpe added a steady 30 off 29, guiding Nigeria to a competitive 158/8 in 20 overs.
Zambia responded with intent, led by Asim Mohammed (39 off 32) and supported by Zakir Musa Patel (22 off 16) and Mahmed Bhaidu (17 off 23). However, Nigeria’s bowling unit rose to the occasion once again.
The match turned decisively in Nigeria’s favour through a breathtaking spell from Isaac Okpe, who claimed 5 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs, becoming just the second player to secure a five-wicket haul in the tournament. He was well supported by Joshua Asia with 3 wickets for 23 runs.
Match Summary
Toss: Nigeria (as implied by score progression)
Nigeria Innings: 158/8 (20.0 overs)
Zambia Innings: 135/10 (19.0 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 23 runs
Player of the Match: Isaac Okpe (Nigeria)
Upcoming Matches
*Match 11: Nigeria vs. Rwanda 9:00 AM*
A potential preview of the Championship Final! Nigeria (Rank 1) looks to maintain their unbeaten record against Rwanda (Rank 2) in a top-of-the-table clash.
*Match 12: Sierra Leone vs. Zambia 1:00 PM*
Zambia (Rank 3) needs a decisive victory to improve their NRR and keep pressure on the leaders. Sierra Leone (Rank 4) is desperate for their first win of the tournament.
Zeal IBE is Media Manager at the Nigeria Cricket Federation, NCF.
