Nigeria kicks off 2025 West Africa trophy against Zambia in Abuja

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, will open their campaign against Zambia in the 2025 West Africa Trophy on Thursday, December 4, in Abuja. This marks the second edition of the regional tournament, following its debut in Lagos in 2023, Sport360NG reports.

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) confirmed that Abuja will host the competition this year, with Rwanda and Sierra Leone returning from the inaugural tournament. Zambia replaces Ghana, who competed in 2023.

The Yellow Greens enter the tournament as defending champions, having claimed the first edition with an unbeaten record, including an 18-run triumph over Rwanda in a thrilling final at Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.

After facing Zambia in the opener, Nigeria will meet Sierra Leone on Friday, December 5, and Rwanda on Saturday, December 6. The four participating nations will play each other three times in a round-robin format, with the top two sides progressing to the final.

NCF Public Relations Officer Musa Ehizoje said the tournament provides a key platform for promoting cricket across the sub-region. “The West Africa Trophy strengthens cricket ties within Africa, giving emerging and established teams the chance to test themselves, gain international exposure, and deepen sporting camaraderie,” he stated. “The 2025 edition is expected to raise the standard even further, with all teams preparing to showcase their best talent.”

The Yellow Greens, who missed qualification for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka after a seven-wicket loss to Kenya in the African qualifiers, will be eager to reclaim the West Africa Trophy and boost their ICC rankings.