By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens have secured a return to Division One of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier after finishing runners-up in the Division 2 tournament in Rwanda.
The Junior YellowGreens capped a strong campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Sierra Leone by 165 runs at the Gahanga B Oval in Kigali to record their fourth victory in five matches.
Nigeria posted an imposing 311 for nine in 50 overs, before dismissing Sierra Leone for 146 in 45.5 overs.
Keneth Boniface was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten century from just 74 balls. His explosive 100 not out featured 10 fours and three sixes, setting the tone for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Captain Ali Rahmon also played a crucial role, anchoring the innings with an impressive 74 from 88 balls, while Peculiar Egemasi, Hossana Omonkhobhio and Abdullahi Ismail added valuable contributions.
Nigeria’s bowlers then completed the job in clinical fashion. Daniel Ayodele claimed three wickets for 22 runs, while Pelumi Orimolade also took three for 15. Abdullahi Ismail added two wickets for 28 runs as Sierra Leone were bowled out for 146.
The second-place finish represents a significant achievement for the young YellowGreens, who showed consistency, resilience and character throughout the five-match campaign.
Nigeria will now return to Division One alongside Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, where the competition and expectations will be significantly higher.
With four wins from five matches and confidence soaring, the Junior YellowGreens have earned their ticket back to the top tier of African youth cricket.
Nigeria is back in Division One and the next chapter begins now.
