Lagos state to Host Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria is set to host five other African nations—Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone—from March 26 to April 6 as they compete for Africa’s sole qualification spot at the 2026 ICC U-19 Men’s T20 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The round-robin matches will take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, both of which have been optimized and certified for the regional tournament.

Nigeria’s Junior Yellow Greens will battle their five opponents for the coveted World Cup ticket.

Expressing his excitement, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, welcomed the opportunity to host the prestigious event.

“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 making this qualifier a memorable experience for all. This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players.”

The qualifier will begin with two exciting opening matches on Friday, March 28. Nigeria will go head-to-head with Namibia at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Oval, while Kenya will clash with Sierra Leone at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Oval.

These matches are expected to set the stage for a thrilling tournament, showcasing intense competition and exceptional performances.

The six participating nations will compete in a round-robin format, with the ultimate winner earning the prestigious opportunity to represent Africa at the 2026 ICC U-19 Men’s T20 World Cup.

Nigeria has previously achieved this milestone, securing Africa’s sole ticket in 2019 and making its debut at the ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup in South Africa in 2020.