Cricket: Nigeria ready as countries arrive Lagos for W’Cup qualifiers

The highly anticipated ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Africa Qualifier is set to commence in Lagos on Friday with teams gearing up for an intense battle for the continent’s sole ticket via the qualifiers to the World Cup.

As preparations reach a crucial stage, Namibia are the first team expected to touch down in Lagos on Tuesday, to join hosts Nigeria.

Namibia’s early arrival will be followed by other participating teams—Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Sierra Leone—who are expected to all arrive on Wednesday.

The event, scheduled to take place from March 28 to April 6, 2025, will be hosted at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos Cricket Oval in Akoka.

All teams will have a training session on the pitches on Thursday, March 27, in preparation for the tournament’s official flag-off on Friday, March 28.

The opening matches will see host nation Nigeria face Namibia at 9:30 am in a high-stakes 50-over encounter at the Tafawa Balewa Square Oval. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone will duel with Kenya at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval on the same day.

Officials from the International Cricket Council have already arrived in Nigeria to oversee the crucial World Cup qualifier, ensuring a seamless flow of events.

Speaking on Nigeria’s role as the host nation, Emeka Igwilo, the tournament coordinator, emphasised the significance of the event.

“This is another opportunity for Nigeria to show how broad the game is growing. It is okay to make progress on talent development, we also need to move the needle in our administrative prowess, facility development, community development, and engagement.

“These are all that will be put to the test in the few days that the attention of the cricket world would be focused on this event to see who picks the Africa ticket. I believe we are ready and Nigeria will play an excellent host.”