Nigeria’s U-19 men’s cricket team, known as the Junior Yellow Greens, has secured their place back in Division 1 of the African Qualifiers for the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup, set to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
According to The PUNCH, this significant achievement comes after their recent performance in the Division 2 qualifiers, where they clinched the third-place position.
The Junior Yellow Greens demonstrated remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament.
In the decisive third-place match held on Sunday in Tanzania, Nigeria faced off against Rwanda. Rwanda, having batted first, could only manage to score 45 runs before being bowled out in 23.4 overs.
Nigeria’s captain, Gafar Kareem, spearheaded the bowling attack with an outstanding performance. Kareem bowled 5.4 overs, giving away just eight runs and securing four wickets, which played a crucial role in dismantling the Rwandan lineup.
The Junior Yellow Greens made quick work of their run chase, reaching the target of 46 runs with ease.
They lost just three wickets and achieved their goal in 12.3 overs.
This efficient run chase underscored the team’s prowess and readiness for the higher division, ensuring their advancement alongside Sierra Leone and hosts Tanzania to the next phase of the qualifiers.
Despite their strong finish, Nigeria’s journey in the tournament was not without challenges.
In the semi-finals, they faced Sierra Leone, who handed them a nine-wicket defeat. This setback did not deter the Junior Yellow Greens, who rebounded strongly to secure their position in Division 1.
One of the highlights of the tournament for Nigeria was their record-setting performance against Mozambique.
At the Gymkhana Ground, the Junior Yellow Greens set a tournament record by amassing a total of 362 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs.
This commanding victory highlighted their batting strength and strategic depth, showcasing their potential on the regional stage.
The return to Division 1 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Junior Yellow Greens, as well as the strategic leadership of Captain Gafar Kareem.
Their performance throughout the qualifiers has positioned them as a formidable team in African cricket.
As Nigeria prepares for the next phase of the qualifiers, the Junior Yellow Greens will aim to build on their success and continue their ascent in international cricket.
Their recent achievements serve as a promising indicator of their potential and a beacon of hope for the future of Nigerian cricket.
