Nigeria’s YellowGreens began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign with a commanding 160-run victory over The Gambia in Abuja on Tuesday.

Inspired by an unbeaten century from Selim Salau and a blistering late assault by Isaac Okpe, Nigeria posted 262 for one in 20 overs before bowling out The Gambia for 102 in 17.2 overs at the NCF Oval 2.

The emphatic victory gave the hosts an early boost in their quest to secure a place in the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria dominated proceedings, with Salau and Isaac Danladi laying the foundation for a formidable total.

Salau led the charge with an unbeaten 105 off 58 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and three sixes in an innings that anchored Nigeria’s batting performance.

Danladi provided strong support, scoring 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair put the hosts in a commanding position.

However, it was Okpe who delivered the most explosive finish, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 balls at a strike rate of 350.00.

His innings featured three fours and six sixes, propelling Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and leaving The Gambia with a daunting target of 263 to win.

The Gambian side struggled to match Nigeria’s scoring rate during their chase and eventually folded for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing the hosts a comprehensive victory.

Nigeria’s 160-run winning margin underlined their dominance with both bat and ball, providing an encouraging start to their campaign in the six-team competition.

The tournament features Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique, with the teams competing in a round-robin format.

The top two sides will advance to the 2027 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, keeping alive their hopes of progressing towards the global tournament.

Nigeria will now seek to maintain their momentum when they face Zambia at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja on Wednesday.

With Salau, Danladi and Okpe delivering impressive performances in the opening match, the YellowGreens will hope to build on their strong start as the race for the two qualification places intensifies.

Match summary

• Nigeria: 262/1 in 20 overs
• The Gambia: 102 all out in 17.2 overs
• Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Top performers

• Selim Salau: 105 not out off 58 balls
• Isaac Danladi: 86 off 48 balls
• Isaac Okpe: 56 not out off 16 balls