Nigeria eye ICC World T20 as qualifiers begin in Lagos

The Nigerian Cricket team is looking forward to earning a slot to the next ICC World T20 in Australia in 2020 as the ICC World T20 Africa Qualifier commenced in Lagos State yesterday. The qualifier is the pathway for Africa to the ICC World T20 showpiece.

The ICC World T20 Africa Qualifier A –for West African countries- is holding from 14 to 21 April.

The festive Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval is playing host to Sierra Leone, Ghana, The Gambia and hosts Nigeria over the next week, with each team playing six matches.

The visiting squads arrived in Lagos with plenty of optimism on Thursday.

Nigeria will enjoy plenty of hometown support over the next week, as they look to progress to the next stage of qualification for the ICC WorldT20, Australia 2020. The men in green are being led by Chimezie Onwuzulike, whose all-round skills are vital to the cause.

He is leading a young, energetic side, and they are charged with making it a week to remember on home soil.

The Ghanaian side is led by the experienced Peter Ananya, who will also be looking to provide some stability with the bat. Ananya’s team also includes the Ateak brothers, Simon and Samson, who have also turned out at this level before.

Sierra Leone who came into the tournament looking to cause an upset, will have to build on their latest performance. They took on the might of Tanzania a year ago in their last fixture of real significance.

Also looking to make a play is The Gambia, who will look to the vastly experienced Dumbuya Mbye, who has been plying his trade at this level for over a decade. The right-hand batsman, who also bowls useful medium pace and offspin, has seen it all before, and knows he will have to enjoy a good week in Lagos.

Patricia Kambarami, the ICC Development Manager for Africa, said: “We are delighted that the qualifiers for the ICC World T20, 2020, are kicking off in Africa. The Nigerian Cricket Federation has worked extremely hard to putting the event on, and we wish the best of luck to all competing teams”

In today’s action, The Gambia play Nigeria in the first game, before Sierra Leone and Ghana do battle in the afternoon.

(L-R) General Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF); Mr Emeka Igwilo, President of Federation, Professor Adam Yahaya Ukwenya and International Cricket Council representative; Kuben Pillay at the Press Conference to herald the ICC T20...