Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, are set to begin their campaign in the 2025 West Africa Trophy with a high-stakes opener against newcomers Zambia on Thursday in Abuja. The tournament promises an exciting start as the defending champions aim to continue their unbeaten legacy.
The Yellow Greens claimed the inaugural edition of the tournament in October 2023, finishing with a perfect record, including an exhilarating 18-run victory over Rwanda in the final at Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos. Sierra Leone and Ghana also competed in that first edition. Returning for 2025 are Rwanda and Sierra Leone, who will clash in the second game of Thursday’s opening day.
Having missed out on qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Nigeria, led by Kenyan coach Steve Tikolo, will look to gain momentum with this regional tournament. Wicketkeeper Sulaimon Runsewe has been appointed team captain for the competition, which runs until December 14.
The squad combines youth and experience, featuring Selim Salau, Ali Rahmon, Daniel Ajekun, Danladi Isaac, and the seasoned Okpe brothers — Sylvester and Isaac Okpe, providing balance across batting and bowling. Additional players include Vincent Adewoye, Kenneth Boniface, Prosper Useni, Ukasha Ishaku, Elochukwu Ndubudem, Joshua Asia, and Abdullahi Ismail, giving the team both depth and versatility.
Zambia, replacing Ghana this edition, make their T20 International debut after regaining ICC membership. Their squad includes captain Javid Patel, Jakir Patel, Lawrence Mutale, Mohammed Asim, Musonda Yambayamba, Shahnawaz Patel, Zoyeb Chand, wicketkeepers Benson Chama and Mohammad Bhaidu, Abbasbhai Patel, Aslam Bera, Ayaz Dadabhai, Salman Patel, and Soyeb Pendi.
Following their opening clash with Zambia, Nigeria will face Sierra Leone on Friday, December 5, and Rwanda on Saturday, December 6. The tournament will adopt a round-robin format, with each of the four participating nations playing each other three times before the top two teams advance to the final, promising an intense battle for regional supremacy.
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