By Vivian Ahanmisi
Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens on Monday boosted their ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup qualification hopes with a commanding five-wicket victory over Ghana in Rwanda.
The win at Gahanga Oval came a day after Nigeria suffered a narrow five-wicket defeat to Uganda in their tournament opener.
Nigeria bowled out Ghana for 93 in 39.5 overs before reaching 96 for five in 22.2 overs, with more than 27 overs remaining.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that disciplined bowling, sharp fielding and composed batting underpinned Nigeria’s impressive victory.
Ghana won the toss and elected to bat but struggled against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack throughout the innings.
Keneth Boniface starred with the ball, taking four wickets for 33 runs in eight overs to dismantle Ghana’s batting line-up.
Precious Ayeni claimed two wickets for nine runs in eight overs, while Princewill Chigozie returned figures of one for nine.
Okasha Isiyaku, Pelumi Orimolade and Daniel Ayodele shared the remaining wickets as Ghana were dismissed for 93.
David Ateak top-scored for Ghana with 26 runs in an innings dominated by Nigeria’s bowlers.
Chasing 94 for victory, Nigeria encountered some resistance and slipped to 56 for four before recovering steadily.
The Junior YellowGreens later lost a fifth wicket at 77 but maintained control of the chase.
Boniface again delivered with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 30 from 32 balls, including four fours and a six.
Andrew Abah contributed 20 runs from 42 deliveries, while Peculiar Egemasi added a brisk 17 from 17 balls.
Nigeria eventually reached 96 for five in 22.2 overs to complete a comfortable five-wicket victory.
Captain Ali Rahmon praised the bowlers but admitted the batting unit still needed improvement in spite of securing victory.
“Firstly, when we lost the toss, it actually went our way because we were actually looking to bat and bowl first.
“We got more dot balls and mounted pressure. We were able to bowl them out. Bowlers did a very good job restricting them.
“But I feel as a batting unit, we are not there yet because we lost too many wickets chasing 94 runs,” Rahmon said.
Boniface was named Player of the Match after producing an outstanding all-round display for Nigeria.
“I’m just trying to go on with the team plan. I have to wait there, enjoy the game and play with less pressure,” Boniface said.
The victory represented a strong response to Nigeria’s opening-day defeat against Uganda at Gahanga 2 on Sunday.
Against Uganda, Nigeria were restricted by regular wickets in spite of Boniface’s brilliant 97 from 107 balls.
His innings included nine fours and six sixes, while Isiyaku added 34 runs as Nigeria posted 176 all out.
Uganda successfully chased the target, reaching 178 for five in 38.2 overs to secure victory.
Samuel Ahaisibwe top-scored for Uganda with 72 runs, while Orimolade led Nigeria’s bowling effort with two wickets.
Abdullahi Ismail, Chigozie and Isiyaku also claimed a wicket each during Uganda’s successful chase.
Nigeria’s performance against Ghana showed greater balance, combining disciplined bowling with controlled batting under pressure.
Boniface has emerged as Nigeria’s standout performer, amassing 127 runs and four wickets across the opening two matches.
Ayeni, Chigozie, Isiyaku, Orimolade, Abah and Egemasi have also made valuable contributions to Nigeria’s campaign.
Nigeria will next face hosts Rwanda on Wednesday before taking on Mozambique and Sierra Leone.
The remaining fixtures are expected to provide stern tests of Nigeria’s credentials for World Cup qualification.
The Junior YellowGreens will hope to build on their Ghana victory as they continue their pursuit of a place at cricket’s global showpiece.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo