Nigeria’s Junior Yellow Greens Stumble in U-19 World Cup Qualifier Opener

Nigeria’s under-19 cricket team suffered a disappointing 10-run loss to Namibia in the opening match of the ICC Africa qualifiers for the 2026 U-19 World Cup at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos on Friday.

The Junior Yellow Greens, hosting the final phase of the qualifiers, won the toss but allowed Namibia to set a modest target of 133/10 in 47.5 overs. Ukasha Isiyaku led Nigeria’s bowling efforts with five wickets for five runs.

In response, Nigeria’s Rahmon Ali top-scored with 53 runs from 46 balls, but his team failed to build on his momentum, eventually falling short at 123/10 in 40.2 overs.

Nigeria will look to bounce back on Sunday against Tanzania, while Namibia takes on Sierra Leone on Saturday. Kenya, meanwhile, began their campaign with a dominant 58-run victory over Sierra Leone.