Sports

Davis Cup 2027: Nigeria Handed Tough Away Trip To El Salvador In World Group II Play-Offs

Published

3 weeks ago

September 29, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria will travel to Central America to face El Salvador in the 2027 Davis Cup by Generali World Group II Play-offs.

The draw was conducted on Monday, September 28 at the World Tennis offices in London, where 52 nations learned their fate across 26 home-and-away ties scheduled for 5-7 February, 2027.

Nigeria, one of the unseeded nations in the pot, were drawn against 5th seeds El Salvador. El Salvador will have the choice of ground, with the choice decided by lot.

It is a crucial tie for Nigeria, who dropped into the Play-offs after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Morocco in Rabat in their World Group II tie on September 19-20.

That result in Rabat ended Nigeria’s push for a place in the 2027 World Group I Play-offs and left Captain Benson Ishicheli’s side needing to win in February to retain their World Group II status for the rest of the season.

The format is straightforward, 13 winning nations from the Play-offs will advance to compete in World Group II in September 2027, while the 13 losers will be relegated to Regional Group III events.

Nigeria had earlier this year ended a three-decade wait to reach World Group II for the first time, after beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Lagos in February. That victory was powered by Daniel Adeleye’s two singles wins and the doubles win from the pair of Canice Abua and Michael Emmanuel.

Now the team faces a completely different test – a long away trip to the Americas against an El Salvador side ranked inside the top 60 and backed by home advantage and likely clay courts.

El Salvador, who also lost their last World Group II tie, will be desperate to defend home turf. For Nigeria, the four-month window offers time to regroup, address singles depth, and sharpen doubles chemistry – often the decisive rubber in Davis Cup ties played in a best-of-five, best-of-three-sets format.

The Nigeria Tennis Federation is expected to announce its final squad and preparations early, with the tie set to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s recent resurgence on the Davis Cup stage.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

24 hours ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

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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