By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has unveiled the final 14-man Junior YellowGreens squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division Two, scheduled to hold in Rwanda from August 9 to 15, 2026.
Led by captain Rahmon Ali, the squad emerged from a rigorous three-phase selection process that began in Abuja and ended in Lagos, with the coaching crew assessing players on technical ability, discipline, attitude and their ability to thrive under pressure.
Head coach Daniel Gim explained that the first training camp in Abuja featured largely inexperienced players discovered during the National U-17 Championship, describing the exercise as an opportunity to introduce the youngsters to the standards required at international level.
“The first camp was mainly made up of players identified from the U-17 Championship. They are talented young cricketers, but naturally a bit inexperienced,” Gim said.
The second phase saw the integration of the young talents with experienced members of the age-grade setup, creating intense competition within the camp and raising the quality of training sessions.
According to the coaching staff, the final phase in Lagos proved decisive as the technical crew trimmed the squad to the final 14 players who will carry Nigeria’s hopes at the continental tournament.
Beyond technical qualities, the coaches praised the players’ mentality, commitment and willingness to embrace challenges, insisting that discipline and professionalism remained central to the selection process.
“The biggest improvement we’ve seen is their attitude. Their willingness to learn, compete and win has been outstanding. The boys understand the opportunity in front of them,” Gim added.
The coaching crew believes qualification from Division Two is only the beginning, with the ultimate target being promotion to Division One and eventual qualification for the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
“Our aim is to build a robust team with a strong batting line-up that can compete beyond this qualification. The objective isn’t just to qualify from Division Two; our ambition is to progress through Division One and earn a place at the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup,” the coach stated.
Nigeria will battle Uganda, Ghana, hosts Rwanda, Mozambique and Sierra Leone in the tournament, with promotion to Division One at stake.
Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens squad:
Ismail Abdullahi, Andrew Abah, Rahmon Ali (captain), Precious Ayeni, Daniel Ayodele, Kenneth Boniface, Princewill Chigozie, Bright Edem, Peculiar Egemasi, Okasha Isiyaku, Emmanuel Oladejo, Hossana Omokhobhio, Pelumi Orimolade and Folajimi Owolabi.
