Sports
Nigeria Books 2026 Esports Nations Cup Spot; President Announces CADE Esports MOU, Edo to Host Zonal Qualifiers
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Esports Federation of Nigeria (ESFN), Mr. Yahaya Maikori, has announced that Team Nigeria has officially qualified to participate in the 2026 Esports Nations Cup scheduled to hold November 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement Signed by President on Sunday in Abuja on behalf of the Federation said Nigeria will be showcasing a strong contingent across multiple events, and the Federation has already commenced intensive preparations ahead of the championship.
According to him, the ESFN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CADE Esports as official partners for the 2026 edition of the Esports Nations Cup. The partnership, he said, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s participation and competitiveness on the global stage.
“The MOU with CADE will enable Nigeria to participate fully in all the events at the Nations Cup. Both parties have agreed to work together for the sake of the nation. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a world-class esports ecosystem and giving our players the support they need to excel internationally,” Mr. Maikori stated.
Zonal Qualifiers to Commence in Edo State
The ESFN President further disclosed that the Federation has concluded plans to structure and commence zonal qualifiers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to drive grassroots development of esports
He elaborated that the exercise will kick off with Edo State for the South-South zone of Nigeria. According to him, the zonal qualifiers are designed to discover talents from every region and give young gamers across the country an opportunity to represent Nigeria.
“We are starting the South-South zonal qualification in Edo State. This is to ensure that we reach the grassroots and bring on board the best talents from all parts of Nigeria. Esports is for everyone, and no zone will be left behind,” he explained.
Mr. Maikori added, “The esports ecosystem is a super highway for all youths. I call on them to take advantage of EFN and make great wealth while playing games.”
He also confirmed that Team Nigeria players for the Esports Nations Cup will be drawn from both home-based and foreign-based Nigerian players, to ensure that the country fields its best talents.
He called on corporate organizations, government agencies, and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support Team Nigeria as we fly the green-white-green flag in France.
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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