CRICKET: NIGERIA BEAT RWANDA BY 81 RUNS TO TOP WEST AFRICA TROPHY TABLE

December 13, 2025

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team on Saturday defeated Rwanda by 81 runs in their third meeting at the West Africa Trophy tournament in Abuja.

Although both teams had already secured places in the final, Nigeria finished top of the standings with 16 points from nine matches, ahead of Rwanda, who ended with 12 points.

Nigeria won the toss at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and elected to bat first.

Selim Salau led the batting effort with 76 runs off 49 balls, while Danladi Isaac added 52 off 45 deliveries. Captain Runsewe Sulaimon chipped in with 23 runs as Nigeria posted a total of 154 for four wickets in their allotted overs.

“We executed our plan well and kept the pressure throughout,” Sulaimon said after the match.

Rwanda’s response fell short as they were bowled out for 75 runs in 15.1 overs.

Didier Ndikubwimana top-scored for Rwanda with 30 runs, while Manishimwe Oscar contributed 22, but the team never seriously challenged Nigeria’s total.

Salau was named Player of the Match as Nigeria sealed a comprehensive 81-run victory.

Both teams will meet again in Sunday’s final, while Zambia and Sierra Leone are set to contest the third-place match.