Sports
20-Year-Old Nigerian Goalkeeper Samuel James Shines in Finland With 68.75% Save Rate
Young Nigerian goalkeeper Samuel Friday James is continuing to make a strong impression in European football, with his outstanding performances for SJK Akatemia in Finland earning him a place among the league’s top-rated players.
The former Flying Eagles goalkeeper was one of the standout performers last season, finishing as the second-best player in the league while winning the Best Goalkeeper award.
James has maintained his impressive form this season, currently ranking second among the selected best 11 players in Finland with a rating of 7.61.
The 20-year-old is joined among the top performers by fellow goalkeepers Jonne Uronen of MP Mikkeli, rated 7.31, and Besart Mustafa of JaPS, who has a rating of 7.29.
A product of Mavlon FC of Lagos, James has established himself as a dependable presence between the posts for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 Ykkösliiga season.
He has kept four clean sheets in 15 appearances and has also produced crucial saves from the penalty spot, further underlining his growing reputation.
James has faced 64 shots this season and stopped 44 of them, giving him an impressive save percentage of 68.75 per cent.
His performances have been particularly significant for SJK, who have endured a difficult run of results in late August and early September and currently sit at the bottom of the table.
Despite the club’s struggles, James’ consistency has emerged as one of the major positives of SJK’s campaign and further highlights the potential of the young Nigerian goalkeeper.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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