The road to the 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup officially begins today in Lagos, as Nigeria faces Namibia in a highly anticipated opening match of the Africa qualifiers. The tournament, which runs from March 26 to April 6, brings together six of the continent’s top youth cricket teams—Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone—competing for a coveted World Cup spot.
The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos (Unilag) Cricket Oval will serve as the battlegrounds for these young talents, with matches played in a 50-over format over the next eight days. Nigeria’s opening fixture against Namibia will take place at TBS Oval, while Kenya locks horns with Sierra Leone at Unilag Oval, setting the stage for an intense competition.
Teams arrived in Lagos on Wednesday and wasted no time getting acclimated, holding practice sessions at TBS Oval. Captains from the participating nations—Nigeria’s Kareem Gafar, Kenya’s Yash Gohil, Tanzania’s Laksh Bakrania, Uganda’s Olipa Gerald, Namibia’s Francois du Plessis, and Sierra Leone’s Raymond Coker—expressed their excitement and determination to secure a place in the World Cup during a media session.
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Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, welcomed the players and their supporters, emphasizing the significance of hosting the qualifiers in Lagos. “Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and emerging cricketing potential. We are committed to making this event 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,” Akpata stated.
With the stage set, fans can expect an electrifying display of cricketing prowess as Africa’s rising stars battle for supremacy. As Nigeria begins its campaign, the nation’s hopes rest on the young squad to make history by securing a spot at the global event in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
