Sports

Nigeria Crowned West Africa Trophy Champions with Dominant Final Victory Over Rwanda

Published

11 months ago

December 15, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Cricket Federation’s NCF Pitch in Abuja played host to a thrilling conclusion of the West Africa Trophy today, where the host nation Nigeria defeated Rwanda by 40 runs to lift the championship title.

In a commanding all-round performance, Nigeria posted a competitive total of 157/5 before their bowling unit stifled the Rwandan chase, restricting them to 117/9 in their 20 overs.
First Innings: Nigeria Sets the Pace, after wining the toss, Nigeria opted to bat first, looking to set a challenging target in the final.

The innings was anchored by steady contributions from the top and middle order. Captain and wicketkeeper Runsewe Sulaimon led from the front with a composed 34 runs off 26 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes.

The innings found its momentum late in the game thanks to an explosive unbeaten cameo from Okpe Sylvester, who smashed 35 runs off just 22 balls (Strike Rate 159.09), punishing the bowlers with two massive sixes. Support also came from Selim Salau (25 off 25 balls) and Vincent Adewoye (21 off 20 balls), helping push the total to 157/5.

For Rwanda, Muhammad Nadir was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs in his 4-over spell, keeping the Nigerian batsmen in check during the middle overs.

Second Innings: YellowGreens Bowlers Lock It Down for the Rwanda Team, chasing 158 for the trophy, the side struggled to build significant partnerships against a disciplined Nigerian attack. Didier Ndikubwimana fought hard for a top score of 33 off 38 balls, and Khan Hamza added a quick 27 off 21 balls, but the required run rate continued to climb.

The Nigerian bowling unit was relentless. Ndubudem Elochukwu delivered a miserly spell, taking 2 wickets for just 13 runs in 4 overs, creating immense pressure. He was ably supported by Joshua Asia (2/17) and Isaac Okpe (2/25), who dismantled the Rwandan lineup.

Rwanda finished their innings on 117/9, falling 40 runs short of the target.Match Summary
Result: Nigeria won by 40 runsNigeria: 157/5 (20.0 Ov) – Okpe Sylvester 35 (22), Runsewe Sulaimon 34 (26)*Rwanda: 117/9 (20.0 Ov) – Didier Ndikubwimana 33 (38), Ndubudem Elochukwu 2/13 (4.0).

This victory caps off a successful tournament for the Nigeria Cricket Federation, solidifying their dominance on home soil in the 2025 West Africa Trophy.

*Zeal IBE**Media Manager* *Nigeria Cricket Federation*

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Sports

Lagos Women Run: Excitement Builds Ahead of Saturday’s TBS Race

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Participants from different walks of life are eagerly looking forward to the Lagos Women Run scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The participants have expressed excitement about the opportunities and experiences the annual event promises to offer.

Our correspondent reports that, in addition to runners from within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, some athletes are expected to travel from outside the country to participate in the race.

The organisers are already making preparations for the large number of registered participants, while the possibility of accepting late entries will depend on the timing and other arrangements.

The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, said participants should expect an improved experience compared with previous editions.

“We have to continue to get better, as that is the driving force for us as organisers. We will be bigger and better with every edition,” Popoola said.

The 2026 Lagos Women Run will hold on Saturday, November 14, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the starting point.

Participants are expected to arrive at the venue by 6:30 a.m. for the event.

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