Expectations high as Africa’s qualifiers begin in Lagos

The University of Lagos Sports Centre and the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval will be the centre of attention for African cricket lovers as the battle for Africa’s ticket to the 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe begins today.

Nigeria and five other countries are the contenders for a chance to play at the World Cup next year. The other teams are Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone. They join Nigeria in the eight-day 50-over tournament.

According to the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), the facilities at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been optimised and certified ready for the cricket action.

The qualifiers will kick off with two thrilling opening encounters today as Nigeria will face Namibia at the TBS Oval, while Kenya will take on Sierra Leone at the UNILAG Oval.

Following the arrival of the six teams on Wednesday ahead of the tournament, the sides took to the TBS Oval for practice, while the captains also faced the media to talk up their ambitions in Lagos.

As the six captains took turns to field questions from the Nigerian media, the underlying tone of their modest speeches was the desire to achieve. Nigeria’s captain Kareem Gafar, Yash Gohil of Kenya, Laksh Bakrania of Tanzania, Olipa Gerald of Uganda, Francois du Plessis of Namibia and Sierra Leone’s Raymond Coker all expressed their enthusiasm ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, NCF President, Uyi Akpata, has expressed his excitement about hosting the event. He said: “Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos.

“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential, and we are committed to