ABUJA, NIGERIA
The Nigeria Cricket Federation’s NCF Pitch in Abuja played host to a thrilling conclusion of the West Africa Trophy today, where the host nation, Nigeria defeated Rwanda by 40 runs to lift the championship title.
A press release signed by Nigeria Cricket Federation’s Media Manager, Mr. Zeal Ibe said in
a commanding all-round performance, Nigeria posted a competitive total of 157/5 before their bowling unit stifled the Rwandan chase, restricting them to 117/9 in their 20 overs.
First Innings: Nigeria Sets the Pace, after wining the toss, Nigeria opted to bat first, looking to set a challenging target in the final. The innings was anchored by steady contributions from the top and middle order. Captain and wicketkeeper Runsewe Sulaimon led from the front with a composed 34 runs off 26 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes.
The innings found its momentum late in the game thanks to an explosive unbeaten cameo from Okpe Sylvester, who smashed 35 runs off just 22 balls (Strike Rate 159.09), punishing the bowlers with two massive sixes. Support also came from Selim Salau (25 off 25 balls) and Vincent Adewoye (21 off 20 balls), helping push the total to 157/5.
For Rwanda, Muhammad Nadir was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs in his 4-over spell, keeping the Nigerian batsmen in check during the middle overs.
Second Innings:
YellowGreens Bowlers Lock It Down for the Rwanda Team, chasing 158 for the trophy, the side struggled to build significant partnerships against a disciplined Nigerian attack. Didier Ndikubwimana fought hard for a top score of 33 off 38 balls, and Khan Hamza added a quick 27 off 21 balls, but the required run rate continued to climb.
The Nigerian bowling unit was relentless. Ndubudem Elochukwu delivered a miserly spell, taking 2 wickets for just 13 runs in 4 overs, creating immense pressure. He was ably supported by Joshua Asia (2/17) and Isaac Okpe (2/25), who dismantled the Rwandan lineup.
Rwanda finished their innings on 117/9, falling 40 runs short of the target.
Match Summary
Result: Nigeria won by 40 runs
Nigeria: 157/5 (20.0 Ov) – Okpe Sylvester 35 (22), Runsewe Sulaimon 34 (26)
Rwanda: 117/9 (20.0 Ov) – Didier Ndikubwimana 33 (38), Ndubudem Elochukwu 2/13 (4.0)
This victory caps off a successful tournament for the Nigeria Cricket Federation, solidifying their dominance on home soil in the 2025 West Africa Trophy.
*Zeal IBE*
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