The ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Africa Qualifier is set to commence in Lagos on March 28, bringing together six of the best youth cricket teams from across the continent. The tournament will determine which team secures Africa’s sole ticket to the prestigious 2026 ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup.

  

Participating Teams and Arrivals

  

The first team to arrive in Lagos will be Namibia, expected to land on Tuesday, March 26. The remaining teams—Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Sierra Leone—will arrive on Wednesday, March 27, ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.

  

Host nation Nigeria is already in Lagos, intensifying their preparations for the competition. The Nigerian squad, led by head coach Uthe Ogbimi, has been undergoing rigorous training sessions, fine-tuning their skills in anticipation of the crucial matches ahead.

  

Venue and Schedule

  

The tournament will take place across two key venues in Lagos: Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos Cricket Oval (Akoka). The event will run from March 28 to April 6, 2025, providing young African cricketers an opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage.

  

Teams will be given an official training session on March 27 to acclimate to the playing conditions before the competitive matches begin.

  

The tournament will officially begin on March 28 with the following opening fixtures:

  

• Nigeria vs. Namibia at Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval (9:30 AM)

  

• Sierra Leone vs. Kenya at University of Lagos Cricket Oval (Akoka)

  

Uganda and Tanzania will begin their campaign in the following round of matches, with fixtures scheduled for March 29.

  

ICC Officials and Host Expectations

  

Several high-ranking International Cricket Council (ICC) officials have already arrived in Nigeria to oversee the organization and smooth running of the tournament. Their presence underscores the importance of this event in African cricket development and talent scouting.

  

Tournament coordinator, Emeka Igwilo, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to deliver a well-organized and successful competition:

  

“This tournament is another opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its growing cricket culture. We are not only hosting an important qualifier but also demonstrating the progress we have made in talent development, facility improvements, and overall administration of the sport.”

  

“We are ready, and I believe Nigeria will play an excellent host to the visiting teams, ensuring a fair and exciting competition.”

  

Road to the 2026 ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup

  

The stakes are high, as only one team from this tournament will qualify for the 2026 ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup. With six strong teams vying for the top spot, every match will be fiercely contested.

  

Defending Africa U-19 champions Uganda are considered one of the favorites, but Nigeria, playing on home soil, will be determined to make history and claim the coveted qualification slot.

  

Fans across Nigeria and beyond are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament, hoping to witness the emergence of future cricketing stars who may go on to represent their nations at the senior level.

  

With world-class facilities, dedicated players, and passionate supporters, the ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Africa Qualifier in Lagos promises to be a thrilling showcase of young African cricketing talent.