Nigeria and Uganda have sealed their berths in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, qualifying as the top two teams from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C. The regional final is a key stepping stone on the road to the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

How Nigeria and Uganda Clinched Qualification

Hosts Nigeria were the standout side, sailing through the qualifier unbeaten with five wins from five matches. Uganda finished as runners-up with four victories. Although both teams had already booked their spots before the final-day clash, their meeting at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja determined the top position — and it produced a finish as dramatic as any in African T20 cricket.

A Last-Ball Thriller at NCF Oval 1

Put in to bat, Nigeria were restricted to 148, with Isaac Danladi top-scoring with 47. The total looked vulnerable when Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah blazed 60 off 35 balls, leaving his side needing just six runs off the final over. But Uganda managed only three singles off the first five deliveries, setting up a nerve-shredding finale.

Nigerian pacer Vincent Adewoye picked up an injury and could not complete the over. Stand-in bowler Sylvester Okpe delivered the final ball to Juma Miyagi, who was run out attempting a second run — leaving Uganda one run short. The result was not only a title win for Nigeria but also their first-ever T20I victory over Uganda.

What Nigeria's Captain Said

Nigeria captain Chima Akachukwu hailed the milestone, saying: 'We are delighted to have won this tournament especially beating Uganda for the first time in a T20I game. It goes to show how far we have come; the boys have been working hard and the coach pushing us to our limits.' He added: 'We thank everyone that believed in us and supported us, from the President, the Board, the staff, we are deeply grateful. To the other countries that participated, you can be proud of your performance as everyone tasted victory.'

Individual Award Winners

Isaac Danladi was named Player of the Series after amassing 223 runs and holding three catches. Fellow Nigerian Selim Salau claimed the Best Batter award with 206 runs, including a century against The Gambia. Uganda's Enock Kasaija took the Best Bowler honour with 11 wickets, while The Gambia's Bubacarr Kuyateh was named Best Fielder with five catches.

Africa Regional Final Line-Up and What Comes Next

Nigeria and Uganda now join Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya — who advanced from the first two sub-regional qualifiers — in the Africa Regional Final. Among the teams that missed out, Zambia finished third ahead of Mozambique on net run rate, while Lesotho and The Gambia placed fifth and sixth respectively. The regional final will determine Africa's representatives at the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with competition expected to be fiercely contested across all six nations.