Cricket enthusiasts across Africa are gearing up for an electrifying showdown as Nigeria takes center stage to host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier. With six formidable teams battling for a coveted spot in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, the stakes are at an all-time high. The tournament, scheduled from March 28 to April 6, 2025, will see fifteen thrilling encounters unfold across two iconic venues in Lagos.

The Battle for World Cup Qualification in Nigeria

The road to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, intensifies as Africa’s brightest young talents gather in Lagos for a winner-takes-all tournament. For the up-and-coming cricketing nations of Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda, this tournament looks to be a turning point. These teams will engage in an intense round-robin format, playing fifteen matches over eight days, with only the champion securing direct qualification.

Adding to the high stakes, the bottom three teams will face relegation to Division 2, making every game a crucial battle for survival and glory.

Prestigious Venues Poised for Action

Lagos, one of Africa’s vibrant sporting hubs, is set to welcome the continent’s finest young cricketers at two prestigious venues: Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Cricket Oval. These locations, known for their historic significance and top-tier facilities, will serve as the battlegrounds for fierce competition and showcase Africa’s promising cricketing talent.

As the excitement builds, the Nigeria Cricket Federation, led by President Uyi Akpata, is enthusiastic about hosting the tournament. He emphasized that this event is not just about competition but also about celebrating the growth of cricket across the continent and Nigeria’s emerging presence on the global stage.

Nigeria’s Commitment to Elevating Cricket in Africa

Uyi Akpata expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support received from the Nigerian Government, the National Sports Commission, corporate sponsors, and dedicated individuals who have made this historic event possible. He highlighted how cricket has continued to thrive in Nigeria, uniting different regions and inspiring youth across the country.

With Nigeria’s rapid cricketing growth, this tournament serves as a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming a cricket powerhouse. The Federation remains dedicated to fostering the sport, developing young talent, and ensuring that the country’s cricketing future remains bright.

Meet the Contenders: The Squads Competing for Glory

The tournament will feature some of Africa’s most promising young cricketers, each eager to leave a mark on the international stage. Here’s a breakdown of the teams:

Kenya: Yash Gohil (Captain), Prinay Galaiya, Shlok Saini, Neel Doshi, Krishil Patel, Dhir Patel, Anthony Njuguna, James Mwaura, Aditya Vekariya, Stian Smith, Rayan Kassam, Yuvraj Bhatyani, Saijeeth Chidambaran, Akshith Sekar.

Namibia: Faf Du Plessis (Captain), Adrain Coetzee, Tiaan Van Der Merwe, Luca Micillo, Liam Basson, Erik Lintvelt, Max Heingo, Henry Grant, Ben Brassell, Janko Engelbrecht, Dan Brassell, Rowan Van Vuuren, Junior Taayanda, Waldo Smith.

Nigeria: Gafar Kareem (Captain), Hossana Omokhobio, Ali Rahmon, Joseph Onoshagbe, Femi Oresenwo, Kenneth Boniface, Favour Pius, Abdullahi Abdulganiyu, Okasha Isiyaku, Abdullahi Ismail, Emmanuel Oladejo, Wareez Azeez, Peculiar Egamasi, Progress Osagie.

Sierra Leone: Raymond Coker (Captain), Aliya Kamara, George Sesay, Alusine Turay, James Bangura, Ibrahim Sesay, Micheal Kabia, Samuel Humper, Mohamed Turay, David Halloway, Sahr Lebbie, Charles Kamara, Amidu Kamara, Hassan Kanu.

Tanzania: Laksh Snehal Bakrania (Captain), Karim Rashidi Kiseto, Abdulrazak Mohamed Amiri, Omary Koba Ramadhani, Hamza Ally Onai, Augustine Meya Mwamele, Khalidy Amiri Juma, Mohamed Ashfaq Imtiaz, Dylan Manish Thakrar, Ally Hafidhi Ally, Sayan Vijay Jobanputra, Darpan Dipakkumar Jobanputra, Azhaar Amin Premji, Mohamed Simba Mbaki.

Uganda: Gerald Olipa (Captain), Jonathan Nyiiro, Abdulaziz Tandia, Conrad Lubwama, Musa Majid Ramathan, Ali Balidawa, Christopher Kidega, Peter Ocen, Devanshkumar Ritesh Patel, Gurji Vansingh, Robert Owilli, Richard Sohera, Abraiz Mirali, Jordan Kenneth Okecho Othieno.

Match Schedule: Thrilling Fixtures Await Cricket Fans

Fans can expect non-stop cricketing action as teams clash in crucial matches. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, 28 March:

Namibia vs Nigeria at TBS Oval

Kenya vs Sierra Leone at UNILAG Oval

Saturday, 29 March:

Uganda vs Tanzania at TBS Oval

Sierra Leone vs Namibia at UNILAG Oval

Sunday, 30 March:

Tanzania vs Nigeria at TBS Oval

Uganda vs Kenya at UNILAG Oval

Monday, 31 March: Rest Day

Tuesday, 1 April:

Namibia vs Tanzania at TBS Oval

Sierra Leone vs Uganda at UNILAG Oval

Wednesday, 2 April:

Nigeria vs Kenya at TBS Oval

Uganda vs Namibia at UNILAG Oval

Thursday, 3 April:

Kenya vs Tanzania at TBS Oval

Nigeria vs Sierra Leone at UNILAG Oval

Friday, 4 April: Rest Day

Saturday, 5 April:

Namibia vs Kenya at TBS Oval

Tanzania vs Sierra Leone at UNILAG Oval

Sunday, 6 April:

Nigeria vs Uganda at TBS Oval

The Countdown Begins: A Tournament Set to Redefine African Cricket

As the tournament draws near, anticipation is at its peak. With six strong teams vying for ultimate victory and a place in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, cricket fans across Africa and beyond will be treated to an unforgettable spectacle.

Nigeria, with its growing cricket infrastructure and passionate supporters, is ready to host a tournament that will showcase young talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Cricket’s future in Africa is brighter than ever, and the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier will be a testament to the continent’s rising prowess in the sport.