Sports

Hostility Begins in Abuja as Nigeria, Botswana 4 Others Compete for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifying Slots

Published

2 years ago

November 23, 2024

…Players Talk Tough as Competition Heats Up
By Joel Ajayi

The battle for two coveted tickets to the final round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifiers is set to commence in Abuja, as six countries—Nigeria, Eswatini, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and St. Helena—face off in the Sub-Regional Qualifier C.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C, scheduled from November 23rd to 28th, will feature 15 thrilling matches at the twin ovals of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Nigeria’s capital city.

Players from the participating teams have expressed confidence and determination to secure one of the available slots for the regional finals, which will include previously qualified teams such as Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi.

Speaking at a world press conference on Friday in Abuja, ICC Tournament Director Martins Ondeku emphasized the significance of the event, describing it as both competitive and historic. He stated:

“This is going to be a wonderful and highly competitive tournament. It is the last Africa sub-regional qualifier, where the top two teams will advance to the regional final to face already qualified nations like Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi next year.”

Ondeku further revealed that the host nation for the final qualifiers would be announced on Monday. He also commended the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) for providing a conducive environment for the tournament.

Nigeria’s team captain, Sylvester Okpe, expressed optimism about his team’s chances: “We are very optimistic as a team because we have prepared extensively. With our participation in tournaments such as the All-Africa Games and our recent tour in Kenya, we are positive. All we need is to stay focused and play our best cricket to achieve the best results.”

Sierra Leone captain Lansanah Lawin echoed a similar sentiment: “Our goal as a team is to secure one of the tickets.”

Eswatini captain Adil Butt, meanwhile, made his team’s intentions clear: “We are not here in Nigeria to just participate—we are here to win. Our target is to emerge victorious. It’s going to be a great tournament for us.”

NCF President Uyi Akpata highlighted Nigeria’s growing capacity to host international cricket events, noting that the tournament would serve as a testament to the nation’s preparedness and infrastructure.
Currently, the Nigerian Men’s Cricket Team is ranked 36th in the T20 global rankings, making them the highest-ranked team in this sub-regional qualifier.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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