By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s national cricket team is banking on home advantage and intensive preparations to secure victory at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Captain Akachukwu Chima says the hosts are motivated and determined to make the most of the opportunity as six countries battle from October 20 to 25 for progression in the World Cup qualification pathway.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Chima said the team had stepped up its preparations through rigorous training sessions and competitive matches.
“We have been training hard, working hard and playing a lot of series. The boys are motivated, and our goal is to win it,” he said.
The Nigeria captain identified familiarity with the playing conditions as a significant advantage, noting that the team had spent several months training at the venue.
“We know the ground and the outfield because we have been here for a couple of months. I think that is a big advantage for us because we are playing on home soil,” Chima added.
He also expressed confidence that support from the coaching staff and Nigerian fans would inspire the team to deliver a strong performance.
However, Nigeria will face stiff competition from Uganda, whose captain, Riazat Ali Shah, described the tournament as crucial to his country’s ambition of reaching the global stage.
Shah recalled Uganda’s failure to qualify for the previous World Cup after losing in Zimbabwe, insisting that his team could not afford another costly setback.
He warned that every match would be decisive in the short T20 format and urged his players to approach every opponent with discipline and concentration.
Although acknowledging Nigeria’s home advantage, Shah cautioned against overlooking other contenders, particularly Zambia, which he said deserved respect for its cricketing tradition.
Gambia captain Bubacam Kiyateh also expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, thanking Nigeria and the International Cricket Council for hosting the competition. He said the development of cricket in Gambia had strengthened the team’s confidence but stressed that the players remained focused on the challenge ahead.
Lesotho captain Tsepiso Chiaoana, meanwhile, said his team would combine youth and experience, giving promising young players opportunities to demonstrate their potential alongside established teammates.
With six teams competing in Abuja, Nigeria will be seeking to translate its preparations and knowledge of local conditions into victories, while Uganda, Gambia, Lesotho and the other participating sides aim to advance their respective qualification ambitions.
For the hosts, a strong start and consistent performances could prove crucial in their bid to progress towards the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
