The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has officially unveiled the 14-player Junior YellowGreens squad that will represent the country at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2 in Rwanda.
The squad, led by Rahmon Ali, is the culmination of an intensive multi-phase selection process that began in Abuja and concluded in Lagos, with coaches assessing players on technical ability, discipline, attitude, and their capacity to perform under increasing levels of competition.
The selection journey started with an initial training camp in Abuja, where players identified during the National U17 Championship were invited for assessment. According to the coaching staff, the first phase provided an opportunity to evaluate the country’s emerging talent.
“The first camp was mainly made up of players identified from the U17 Championship. They are talented young cricketers, but naturally a bit inexperienced. I’d rate the intensity of that camp around seven because it was about introducing them to the standards expected at this level,” coach Daniel Gim explained.
The second phase saw another camp in Abuja, where the coaching crew blended the promising U17 players with more experienced members of the age-grade setup. The mix of youth and experience significantly raised the standard of competition within the camp.
“Once we combined the younger players with those who already had some experience, the intensity increased. There was healthy competition every day, and I’d rate that phase around eight because both talent and experience pushed each other.”
The final phase in Lagos proved to be the most demanding, with the coaching team narrowing the group to the final 14-man squad that will carry Nigeria’s hopes into the continental qualifier.
“Lagos was the decisive camp. This was where we selected the final squad, so naturally the intensity had to be much higher. We pushed the players to another level because we knew what was at stake.”
Beyond technical ability, the coaches were particularly encouraged by the players’ mentality throughout the selection process.
“The biggest improvement we’ve seen is their attitude. Their willingness to learn, compete and win has been outstanding. The boys understand the opportunity in front of them. They know that success in Division 2 is the first step towards Division 1 and then qualification for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.”
Discipline remained a key pillar throughout camp, with the coaching staff placing strong emphasis on professionalism, punctuality, and the standards expected of national team players.
“The first thing we established was discipline. As national players, they must carry themselves professionally on and off the field. We created an environment where the camp remained enjoyable, but at the same time demanded high intensity and accountability.”
The coaches also praised the players’ eagerness to embrace new challenges, noting that assigning tactical and technical responsibilities became easier because the squad clearly understood the objective ahead.
“These boys are hungry. They understand where they want to be, and they’ve responded positively to every task we’ve given them. They’ve caught on quickly, and while the work isn’t easy, they’ve shown the commitment needed to keep improving.”
With preparations now entering their final stage, the technical crew is focused on building a balanced and competitive side capable of competing beyond the qualification tournament.
“Our aim is to build a robust team with a strong batting line-up that can compete beyond this qualification. The objective isn’t just to qualify from Division 2, our ambition is to progress through Division 1 and earn a place at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.”
As the Junior YellowGreens prepare to depart for Rwanda, the coaching crew believes the foundation has been laid for a team capable of achieving that ambition. The message to the players remains simple yet powerful:
“Hard work and smart work.”
Nigeria Junior YellowGreens Squad
- Ismail Abdullahi
- Andrew Abah
- Rahmon Ali (Captain)
- Precious Ayeni
- Daniel Ayodele
- Kenneth Boniface
- Princewill Chigozie
- Bright Edem
- Peculiar Egemasi
- Okasha Isiyaku
- Emmanuel Oladejo
- Hossana Omokhobhio
- Pelumi Orimolade
- Folajimi Owolabi
The Junior YellowGreens will compete against Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2 scheduled for August 9th-15th 2026, with promotion to Division 1 and a step closer to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at stake.
Zeal Ibe
Media Manager,
Nigeria Cricket Federation