Nigeria, at the weekend, ended its long wait for its first ever T20i victory over Uganda with a one run win over the East Africans at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Anchored on the superlative form of Isaac Danladi and Selim Salau, the YellowGreens, in a contest that went down to the final delivery at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium cricket venue, successfully defended a target of 149 to defeat one of Africa’s established cricketing sides and conclude their qualifying campaign on a memorable note.

Beyond the victory, the result represented a significant breakthrough in the historical rivalry between the two nations. Uganda had traditionally dominated their men’s T20I encounters, winning the overwhelming majority of their previous meetings. Nigeria’s narrow triumph therefore marked not only a crucial tournament result but also a landmark achievement for the YellowGreens.

With both teams already assured of qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, the encounter offered an opportunity to establish supremacy between two of the competition’s strongest sides. Nigeria seized that opportunity in unforgettable fashion.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria made an aggressive start, with openers Danladi and Salau immediately putting Uganda’s bowling attack under pressure.

The pair combined for an opening partnership of 68 runs from just 7.2 overs, giving the YellowGreens early momentum and laying the foundation for a competitive total.

Danladi was particularly impressive, scoring 47 runs from 28 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes. His attacking innings earned him the Player of the Match award and proved crucial in a contest ultimately decided by the narrowest of margins.

Salau contributed 30 runs from 24 balls, striking four boundaries and a six before falling to Uganda’s Joseph Baguma.

Baguma emerged as Uganda’s most effective bowler, finishing with figures of four wickets for 21 runs in four overs and preventing Nigeria from building an even larger total.

Ali Rahmon also made a valuable contribution, scoring 35 runs from 23 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.

Despite Uganda’s efforts to restrict the scoring in the closing stages, Nigeria were eventually bowled out for 148 in 19.4 overs, setting their opponents a target of 149.

Uganda’s chase suffered an early setback as Nigeria’s bowlers struck in the opening overs, dismissing Raghav Dhawan and Robinson Obuya to put the visitors under immediate pressure.

Abdullahi Ismail claimed both early wickets, giving Nigeria the breakthrough they needed to defend their total.

Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah, however, responded with a remarkable counterattack that brought his side back into contention.

Shah scored 60 runs from 35 deliveries, striking five sixes and three fours to keep Uganda firmly in the contest. His aggressive innings shifted the pressure back onto the Nigerian bowlers and raised the possibility of an Ugandan victory.

Nigeria refused to surrender their advantage. Sylvester Okpe produced a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Shah, a moment that proved pivotal in the closing stages. Okpe also removed Gerald, finishing with two wickets, while Isaac Okpe claimed two wickets for 18 runs in four overs.

Abdullahi Ismail added two wickets to his tally, and Captain Chima Akachukwu claimed another as Nigeria continued to chip away at Uganda’s batting line-up.

Despite the pressure, Uganda fought until the very end, taking the match into a tense final over.

With Uganda needing eight runs from the final over, the match remained delicately poised.

Nigeria’s Vincent Adewoye was unable to complete the over due to injury, bringing Sylvester Okpe into the spotlight for the decisive moments.

With Uganda requiring two runs from the final delivery to win, the pressure was immense. One successful stroke could have handed Uganda victory, while Nigeria needed to prevent their opponents from crossing the line.

Uganda managed just one run from the final ball, finishing on 147 for nine after 20 overs.

The result sparked celebrations for the YellowGreens, who had held their nerve under immense pressure to defend their total against a formidable opponent.

For Nigerian cricket, the significance extended far beyond the points table. The victory ended Uganda’s historical dominance in the men’s T20I rivalry and gave Nigeria their first-ever win over the East African side in the format.

It was a statement of progress, resilience and growing belief from a Nigerian team determined to establish itself among Africa’s leading cricket nations.

Isaac Danladi was named Player of the Match following his match-defining 47 off 28 balls. His contribution at the top of the order gave Nigeria the platform they needed to post a competitive total.

Danladi’s influence throughout the tournament was also recognised with the Player of the Tournament MVP award, capping an impressive campaign for the Nigerian batter.

Selim Salau received the Best Batter of the Tournament award in recognition of his consistency and contribution throughout the competition.

But the headline achievement remained the successful qualification of Nigeria and Uganda for the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.