THE ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C begins in Abuja today, with Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda and Zambia competing for two places at the Africa Regional Final in 2027.
The tournament is the last of Africa’s sub-regional qualifiers on the pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028. The six teams play a single round-robin of 15 matches at NCF Oval 1 and NCF Oval 2, and the top two advance. Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya have already qualified for the Regional Final through the first two sub-regional events.
The six captains met in Abuja on the eve of the tournament: Chima Akachukwu (Nigeria), Riazat Ali Shah (Uganda), Javid Patel (Zambia), Bubacarr Kuyateh (The Gambia), Tsepiso David Chaoana (Lesotho) and Agostinho Navicha (Mozambique).
Uganda and Zambia open the tournament at 09:30 on NCF Oval 1. At 13:50, Lesotho meet Mozambique on Oval 1 and hosts Nigeria face The Gambia on Oval 2.
Rankings
Uganda enter as the highest-ranked side in the group, 21st in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings. They are followed by Nigeria (40th), Zambia (62nd), Mozambique (81st), Lesotho (89th) and The Gambia (95th).
Hosts
Nigeria are coached by Zimbabwean Steve Mangongo, whose appointment as Head Coach and High Performance Manager took effect on 1 July 2026. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Mangongo said the squad’s preparation was complete.
“Calm before the storm. That’s all we need. We’ve done all the training. We are ready to go,” he said.
“It’s about being able to execute your skills as per the way you have trained. And if you’ve put enough hard work, you’ll be confident to go and execute on the day. So it’s about execution.”
Nigeria Cricket Federation President Uyi Akpata welcomed the visiting teams. He described the tournament as a celebration of the continent’s cricketing future and of Nigeria’s growing role in the global game.
All matches will be streamed live and free on ICC.tv.
FIXTURES (local time)
Tuesday, 20 October
09:30 – Uganda vs Zambia, NCF Oval 1
13:50 – Lesotho vs Mozambique, NCF Oval 1
13:50 – Nigeria vs The Gambia, NCF Oval 2
Wednesday, 21 October
09:30 – Mozambique vs The Gambia, NCF Oval 1
09:30 – Lesotho vs Uganda, NCF Oval 2
13:50 – Zambia vs Nigeria, NCF Oval 1
Friday, 23 October
09:30 – Nigeria vs Mozambique, NCF Oval 1
09:30 – Zambia vs Lesotho, NCF Oval 2
13:50 – The Gambia vs Uganda, NCF Oval 2
Saturday, 24 October
09:30 – Uganda vs Mozambique, NCF Oval 2
13:50 – The Gambia vs Zambia, NCF Oval 1
13:50 – Lesotho vs Nigeria, NCF Oval 2
Sunday, 25 October
09:30 – The Gambia vs Lesotho, NCF Oval 1
09:30 – Mozambique vs Zambia, NCF Oval 2
13:50 – Nigeria vs Uganda, NCF Oval 1
SQUADS
Nigeria: Chima Akachukwu (capt), Peter Aho, Isaac Danladi, Elochukwu Ndubudem, Miracle Akhigbe, Sylvester Okpe, Selim Salau, Ali Rahmon, Abdullahi Ismail, Kenneth Boniface, Isaac Okpe, Abdulmumuni Mohammed, Kareem Ridwan, Vincent Adewoye
Uganda: Riazat Ali Shah (capt), Robinson Obuya, Pius Oloka, Cyrus Kakuru, Alpesh Ramjani, Miyaji Juma, Enock Kasaija, Kenneth Waiswa, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumeet Verma, Joseph Baguma, Charles Musemeza, Anas Mirza
Zambia: Javid Patel (capt), Jakir Patel, Joyebbhai Chand, Zahirbhai Patel, Zakirhushen Patel, Chimya Chilekwa, Soeb Pendi, Vasimakram Chand, Mahmed Dadabhai, Ismail Kara, Shadreck Malama, Robert Lungu, Musonda YambaYamba, Joseph Zulu
The Gambia: Bubacarr Kuyateh (capt), Muhammed Manga, Modou Bojang, Musa Jobarteh, Aniru Conteh, Alieu Gibba, Malang Touray, David Demba, Ousman Bah, Pa Assan Faye, Mustapha Suwareh, Frank Campbel, Fallou Thorpe, Andreh Jarju
Lesotho: Tsepiso David Chaoana (capt), Jabulani Matjatje, Lefulere Monanthane, Ajaz Patel, Mpiti Lerotholi, Tanki Khetsi, Chachole Tlali, Lebona Leokaoke, Momeduvesh Patel, Khauta Malei, Thamae Gladwin, Bahlakoana Mejaro, Mohammed Khan, Mohammed Inshaf Farook
Mozambique: Agostinho Navicha (capt), Farruque Nhaduate, Lourenco Solomone, Jose Bulele, Camate Bez, Viera Tembo, Gomes Frederico Gomes, Loureno Simango, Manussur Algi, Jose Joao, Joao Huo, Charles Mbebe, Quelido Uqueio, Emmerson Ndzeute
