Nigeria’s reputation as an emerging power in African cricket was at the fore yesterday when the senior men’s national team, YellowGreens, overpowered Zambia with a nine-wicket victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Isaac Danladi contributed an unbeaten 90 and Selim Salau had a career milestone as the YellowGreens continued their winning start to the sub-regional qualifier C at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Chasing a target of 143 runs, Nigeria reached 146 for one in 14.5 overs, sealing victory with 31 balls to spare and recording their second consecutive win in the competition.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Zambia posted 142 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

Ismail Kara top-scored for Zambia with an impressive 82 off 44 deliveries, including six fours and seven sixes, as he attempted to build a competitive total for his side.

Nigeria’s bowlers responded with a disciplined performance. Abdullahi Ismail was the standout, claiming three wickets for just nine runs in his four overs to restrict Zambia’s scoring opportunities. The YellowGreens maintained pressure throughout the innings, ensuring the target remained within reach.

Nigeria’s reply was anchored by an outstanding opening partnership between Danladi and Salau, who put on 125 runs for the first wicket to place the hosts firmly in control.

Danladi delivered an explosive innings, finishing unbeaten on 90 off just 47 balls, including three fours and nine sixes. His aggressive stroke play kept Nigeria ahead of the required run rate and brought the hosts within touching distance of victory.

Salau complemented the effort with a well-paced 50 off 39 deliveries, striking four fours and two sixes. His contribution provided a solid foundation for the chase before he was run out in the 14th over.
Ali Rahmon joined Danladi at the crease, and the pair completed the chase comfortably as Nigeria finished on 146 for one in 14.5 overs.

Danladi’s match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Beyond the team victory, the match marked another important milestone in SelimSalau’s international career.

Salau reached 1,000 career T20I runs for Nigeria during the YellowGreens’ opening match against The Gambia on Tuesday, when he scored an unbeaten 105 off 58 deliveries to help Nigeria post 262 for one and secure a commanding 160-run victory.

He followed that remarkable century with another valuable contribution against Zambia, scoring 50 off 39 balls to take his career tally to 1,063 T20I runs for Nigeria.

His back-to-back century and half-century performances underline his importance to the YellowGreens’ batting line-up and provide further impetus to Nigeria’s campaign on home soil.

The victory over Zambia gives Nigeria two wins from their opening two matches, following their emphatic triumph over The Gambia.

With the bowling attack delivering crucial breakthroughs and the batting unit demonstrating its firepower, the YellowGreens have made an encouraging start to their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final.

Nigeria will look to sustain this momentum in their remaining fixtures as the competition continues in Abuja.

The top two teams will advance to the Africa Regional Final, the next stage in the qualification pathway for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028.