Nigeria A opened their campaign in the Nigeria Cricket Federation T20 Quadrangular Series with a convincing 33-run victory over Sierra Leone on Monday at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.

The Nigerian second-string side produced a disciplined all-round performance to successfully defend their total and begin the maiden four-team tournament on a winning note. 

After being sent in to bat, Nigeria A posted 113 runs for eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Olayinka Olaleye top-scored for the hosts with 25 runs from 32 deliveries, while Mohammed Taiwo provided a late boost with an unbeaten 28 off 20 balls.

Hosannah Omonhhobhio also contributed 13 runs from 11 deliveries as Nigeria A established a competitive total. 

Sierra Leone struggled to mount a sustained response and were eventually bowled out for 80 in 19.5 overs.

Elochukwu Ndubudem led Nigeria A’s bowling attack with an impressive three wickets for 10 runs from his four overs.

Mustapha Yussuf also claimed three wickets, while Gafar Kareem took two wickets as Nigeria A’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout Sierra Leone’s innings.

The 33-run victory gives Nigeria A an important early boost in a competition featuring four teams,  Nigeria, Nigeria A, Ghana and Sierra Leone.

The maiden NCF Quadrangular T20 Series is being staged from September 21 to 27 at the TBS Cricket Oval, with the participating teams facing each other twice in a round-robin format. 

The tournament is also providing valuable competitive exposure for Nigeria’s players ahead of upcoming international assignments.

For the senior Yellow Greens, the opening day was equally successful, as Nigeria defeated Ghana by eight wickets in the other match played at the venue. 

The Yellow Greens are using the competition as part of their preparations for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Abuja from October 18 to 25.

Nigeria will continue its campaign in Lagos as the quadrangular tournament progresses, with the two Nigerian teams aiming to build on their impressive opening-day results.