Nigeria’s under-19 cricket team, The Yellow Greens’ coach, Uthe ‘Clive’ Ogbimi has described a ‘marvelous feat’ their qualification for the 2020 ICC U-19 World Cup in South Africa.
The Nigerian team first ever spot in the ICC Youth Mundial, after they beat Sierra Leone by two wickets last Saturday in Windhoek, Namibia, after victory over Sierra Leone.
Nigeria endured a nervy chase, slipping to 87 for six at one point, before man of the match Peter Aho scored a priceless 21 not out to end on top.
The entire squad rushed onto the field in jubilation, as they confirmed their seat at their first ever global tournament.
Aho had also taken two wickets earlier, when Sierra Leone posted 138 all out at Affies Park in Windhoek.
On the adjacent field, Namibia had posted a massive victory over Kenya, so Nigeria simply had to win.
Sierra Leone provided some challenges, as Haroun Kamara’s 58 from 60 balls propelled his side to a testing target.
John Bangura chipped in with hearty 21, and as Sierra Leone refused to bow quietly.
Osman Sankoh’s late 24 also lifted the tempo, and Abdulrahman Jimoh took two quick wickets for Nigeria, to stop the target getting any bigger.
In response, Isaac Danladi’s responsible 25 was crucial, while Miracle Ikaige also lent a hand with a vital 22; but the wickets kept on tumbling, and the pressure kept on mounting.
In the wake of their qualification, Ogbimi said all his players deserve to be praised for their historic efforts, which he also said were amazing.
Making his thoughts known during a radio sports programme monitored in Lagos by sports247.ng, Ogbimi said he is happy and privileged to be a part of the historic team.
He went on to thank Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) and the ministry of sports for supporting the team from the start, and assured that they will do everything possible to ensure they are not disgraced at the Mundial early next year in Nelson Mandela’s country.
Ogbimi added: “We are happy that we have made history. I am happy for the players and for myself.
“They have achieved something many people never thought was possible for Nigeria. This is a marvelous achievement.”
On his part, NCF president, Adams Ukwenya described the feat as the most cherished moment for him and in Nigeria’s cricket history.
“Our cricket has attained a new height that has never been reached and we are very happy for this achievement,” Ukewnya concluded.
