The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has announced the final 14-man list that will be representing the country at the ICC T20 world Cup Africa Qualifier taking place from 15th to 21st November 2021 in Rwanda.
The coaching crew had the opportunity of 6 matches to take a close look at all the players in camp to ensure that a formidable team capable of picking the single qualification ticket is selected.
Familiar faces return to the squad creating a balance of youth and experience, a chunk from the victorious team that qualified for the U-19 world cup in 2020 have been retained with Sylvester Okpe, Peter Aho, Rasheed Abolarin and Samuel Mba all making the cut.
Segun Olayinka and Ademola Onikoyi, 2 of Nigeria’s longest serving players have been recalled while consistent names like Isaac Okpe and Joshua Ayannaike are also listed.
A big career step for the young Ridwan Kareem who made his senior debut during the Nigeria/ Sierra Leone Bilateral series will also feature with bowling prodigy, Prosper Useni completing the list.
Joshua Ayannaike has voluntary stepped down from his role as captain due to other commitments surrounding his work and study, while Sylvester Okpe has been named as his replacement going into the qualifier in Rwanda.