After losing the only game of the International Cricket Council World T2O Africa ‘A’ qualifier against bitter rivals Ghana on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the prestigious Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval.
All is now set for the final day on Saturday, April 21, 2018 as Nigeria Cricket National Team A.K.A (Yellow Green) looks to revenge the painful 7 wicket loss on Match Day 3 while their Ghanaian counterparts are ready to complete a double over the host to confirm their supremacy.
Nigeria versus Ghana at any level and any sport would always be feisty and the game on Tuesday was nothing short of action up until the final over that handed victory to the Coach Kodam Kofi Anafie tutored side.
Speaking ahead of the deciding game Captain Micheal Isaac Aboagye, was grateful to his entire team for the superlative performance they have put up throughout this tournament which is a clear indication of how their cricket has evolved.
“Before we came to Nigeria we had an unanimous decision of winning the competition as well as go unbeaten and we would not soft pedal until victory is assured.
“Though we convincingly defeated them in our first game but I immediately warned my teammates that it will be foolhardy of us to continue to bask in the euphoria of defeating Nigeria because Saturday’s game is the most important match of our career and we remain focused as a team, ” he noted.
Coach of Nigerian Cricket National Team, Uthe Ogbimi, felt disappointed that they allowed the Ghanaians to currently hold the aces after Tuesday’s loss but they have forgotten about it and all focus is geared towards gaining revenge against their opponent in what is tagged “Win or Bust”.
“The Nigerian Cricket Federation has provided all we need to excel at this tournament and all we can do to compensate the great efforts put in by the NCF Board in organizing this competition is to win it and in doing so we have to avenge the 1st leg loss against Ghana so as to bring back believe to our teeming fans that have supported us all the way”.
Going into Saturday’s match players to watch out from Ghana include: Micheal Isaac Aboagye (Captain), Julius Horlali Mensah (Wicket Keeper), Peter Ananya, James Vifah, Rexford Bakum, David Ankrah, Kofi Bagabena, Awe Awiah, Simon and Vincent Ateak.
Nigerian players expected to be on parade are: Chimezie Onwuzulike (Captain), Joshua Ayannaike (Wicket Keeper), Ademola Onikoyi, Dotun Olatunji, Saheed Akolade, Isaac Okpe, Shola Anyia, Sulaimon Runsewe, Taiwo Mohammed, Bimbo Adu, Sylvester Okpe and SeyeOlympio.
Based on this star cast that would be on parade for their respective teams on Saturday, April 21, 2018 and the huge importance attached to this fixture there is no gain saying that cricket fans are in for superb bowling, inspired batting, exquisite wicket keeping and eye-popping catches.
Anthony Nlebem
