Nigeria Edge Uganda in Final-Ball Finish, Qualify for Africa Final

Nigeria and Uganda have confirmed their qualification for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2027. The two teams finished first and second in Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier 'C' to earn their berths.

The regional final is part of the pathway to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028. Joining them in the competition are Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya, who progressed through the first two sub-regional qualifiers.

Nigeria finished the qualifier undefeated, claiming victory in all five matches as hosts. Uganda took four wins to finish second. The final-day encounter at NCF Oval 1 determined the group's top position, even though both sides were already through.

The match went down to the final ball. Nigeria posted 148 in their innings, with Isaac Danladi top-scoring with 47. Uganda captain Riyazat Ali Shah then struck 60 off 35 deliveries, bringing his side within touching distance of the target.

With six needed from the last over, Nigeria kept things under control and gave away just three singles from the first five balls. Uganda needed three from the final ball to win. Vincent Adeyemi suffered an injury and was unable to complete his over, which increased the tension.

Silvester Okpe came on to deliver the last ball. Juma Miyagi was run out while going for a second run, and Uganda fell one run short. The win was Nigeria's first in T20 internationals against Uganda.

Danladi was crowned Player of the Series after amassing 223 runs and taking three catches. Selim Salau received the Best Batter honour for his 206 runs, which included a century against Gambia.

Uganda's Enock Kasaija took 11 wickets to win the Best Bowler award. Gambia's Buba Kuyateh was named Best Fielder for his five catches.

Zambia finished third on net run rate, ahead of Mozambique. Lesotho and Gambia were placed fifth and sixth.