Nigeria and Uganda have secured places in the 2027 Africa Regional Final for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by finishing in the top two spots in Sub-Regional Qualifier C.
Nigeria secured their place in assertive fashion, winning all five of their matches on home soil. Uganda finished second with four victories of their own.
Nigeria edge out Uganda in a final-ball thriller
Both sides had already confirmed their progress before meeting on the final day, and Nigeria lifted the trophy with a one-run win off the final ball at the Nigerian Cricket Federation Oval No.1.
Nigeria posted 148 after being put into bat, with Isaac Danladi scoring 47. Uganda’s chase was led by Riazat Ali Shah, whose 60 from 35 balls put the Ugandans in the driver’s seat.
Nigeria were on the back foot at the start of the final over, with Uganda needing just six runs from the last six deliveries. It was Sylvester Okpe who stepped up as the hero. Okpe had not started the over, but he had to complete the work of Vincent Adewoye, who limped off with an injury.
Uganda required three to win and two to tie from the final ball, bowled by Okpe’s off-spin. Juma Miyaji was run out attempting a second run, leaving the Cricket Cranes a run short.
A first win over Uganda in men’s T20Is
The victory was Nigeria’s first over their rivals in men’s T20I cricket. Nigeria captain Chima Akachukwu praised the efforts of everyone in the Nigerian cricket community.
“We are delighted to have won this tournament, especially beating Uganda for the first time in a T20I game. It goes to show how far we have come. The boys have been working hard, and the coach (Stephen Maziva Mangongo) has been pushing us to our limits,” Akachukwu said.
“We thank everyone that believed in us and supported us, from the President, the Board and the staff. We are deeply grateful. To the other countries that participated, you can be proud of your performance, as everyone tasted victory.”
Uganda beat Mozambique by 10 wickets
Earlier in the tournament, Uganda beat Mozambique by 10 wickets in Sub-Regional Qualifier C.
Six-team line-up for the Regional Final
Nigeria and Uganda join Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya, who had already qualified through the continent’s first two Sub-Regional Qualifiers. Together they complete the six-team line-up for Africa’s Regional Final on the road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. The top two teams from that qualifier will advance to a global qualifier.
Namibia already have a place in the global qualifier through their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe have already qualified for the T20 World Cup in 2028, having finished in the Super 8 stage of the same tournament earlier this year.