YellowGreens Clinch 2025 West Africa Trophy with Win Over Rwanda

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the YellowGreens, delivered a statement performance on home soil on Sunday, overpowering Rwanda by 40 runs to emerge champions of the 2025 West Africa Trophy at the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Pitch in Abuja

Backed by an energetic home crowd, Nigeria produced a complete all-round display—solid with the bat and ruthless with the ball—to seal the title in emphatic fashion and underline their growing authority in West African cricket.

Nigeria Sets the Tone with the Bat

After winning the toss, Nigeria elected to bat first and approached the final with confidence and composure. Captain and wicketkeeper Runsewe Sulaimon led by example, anchoring the innings with a classy 34 off 26 balls, peppered with two boundaries and two towering sixes

The innings gathered momentum through valuable contributions across the order. Selim Salau (25 off 25 balls) and Vincent Adewoye (21 off 20 balls) ensured stability in the midle, before Okpe Sylvester lit up the closing overs with an explosive unbeaten 35 off just 22 deliveries.

His late assault, which included two massive sixes, pushed Nigeria to a competitive 157 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Rwanda’s Muhammad Nadir was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with an impressive 3 for 18, but Nigeria’s depth ultimately proved decisive

Bowlers Seal the Deal in Styles  

Defending 158, Nigeria’s bowlers rose to the occasion, choking the Rwandan chase with discipline and precision. Rwanda found it difficult to build partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Didier Ndikubwimana showed resilience with a determined 33 off 38 balls, while Khan Hamza injected brief hope with a brisk 27 off 21.

However, the ever-increasing required run rate kept the pressure firmly on the visitors

The YellowGreens’ bowling unit was relentless. Ndubudem Elochukwu produced a superb spell, returning figures of 2 for 13 from four overs, applying the squeeze at a crucial stage. He was well supported by Joshua Asia (2/17) and Isaac Okpe (2/25) as Rwanda were restricted to 117 for 9 at the end of their 20 overs

Champions on Home Soil

With the 40-run victory, Nigeria capped a highly successful campaign, lifting the West Africa Trophy in front of their fans and reinforcing their dominance on home turf.

The triumph not only highlights the progress of Nigerian cricket but also sends a strong signal of intent ahead of future continental challenges

Match Summary

Result: Nigeria won by 40 run

Nigeria: 157/5 (20 overs

Okpe Sylvester 35* (22)

Runsewe Sulaimon 34 (26)

Rwanda: 117/9 (20 overs)

Didier Ndikubwimana 33 (38)

Ndubudem Elochukwu 2/13 (4 overs)

For the YellowGreens, it was a fitting finale—champions crowned, confidence boosted, and Nigerian cricket once again on the rise.