Sports
Hostility Begins in Abuja as Nigeria, Botswana 4 Others Compete for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifying Slots
…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.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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