Nigeria clinch West Africa Trophy again after strong win over Rwanda
Nigeria’s cricket team successfully defended their West Africa Trophy title on June 5, 2025, defeating Rwanda by 40 runs at the NCF Pitch in Abuja. Led by coach Steve Tikolo, the Yellow Greens dominated the tournament, winning nine out of ten matches. Key performances from Sylvester Okpe and Sulaimon Runsewe helped Nigeria post a challenging total in the final. The team’s sharp bowling and fielding ensured Rwanda could not catch up.
Match highlights
- Nigeria won the toss and set a target of 153/5 in 20 overs, with Sylvester Okpe scoring 35 not out and Sulaimon Runsewe adding 34 runs.
- The defending champions lost only one match in the tournament, which was against Rwanda last week.
- Rwanda’s top scorer, Didier Ndikubwimana, made 33 runs, but the team struggled to form lasting partnerships.
- Nigerian bowlers Ndubudem David, Isaac Okpe, and Joshua Asia each took two wickets, breaking Rwanda’s momentum.
- The victory on June 5, 2025, marks Nigeria’s second consecutive West Africa Trophy win, both times defeating Rwanda in the final.
