Nigeria beat Zambia in West Africa Trophy opener

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Nigeria began their West Africa Trophy campaign on a bright note with a 19-run victory over Zambia in Abuja on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The hosts successfully defended a modest total in a match that swung back and forth before Nigeria’s bowlers closed it out in the final overs.

Zambia won the toss and sent Nigeria in to bat, hoping to exploit early conditions. Their decision initially looked justified as Nigeria struggled for fluency in the powerplay, losing wickets at intervals.

However, all-rounder Isaac Okpe steadied the innings and produced the standout batting performance of the match. Coming in during a tricky phase, Okpe struck an unbeaten 35 off just 19 balls, injecting much-needed momentum into Nigeria’s total.

His knock, which included timely boundaries (three fours and two sixes) and well-judged running, lifted Nigeria to 138 for eight in their 20 overs.

Zambia’s bowling unit put in a disciplined shift, with Asim Mohammed emerging as their most effective performer. The seamer picked up three wickets, applying pressure that prevented Nigeria from posting a larger total.

In response, Zambia began their chase steadily, relying on Zoyeb Chand, who crafted a patient yet vital innings. Chand top-scored for his side with 47 from 46 balls, anchoring the chase as wickets fell around him.

His effort kept Zambia within striking distance, but the lack of meaningful partnerships ultimately undermined their pursuit. Once Chand departed, the visitors struggled to keep up with the required run rate.

Nigeria’s bowlers, led by Prosper Useni, tightened their grip on the match in the latter half of the innings. Useni delivered a career-defining spell, taking four wickets and triggering Zambia’s collapse as they were bowled out for 119 for 10 in 19 overs.

Useni’s precision and ability to strike at crucial moments crushed Zambia’s momentum, ensuring Nigeria secured a comfortable win despite earlier pressure. His four-wicket haul proved the decisive factor in the contest.

The hosts will look to build on this performance on Friday (today), as they face Sierra Leone, who lost by seven wickets against Rwanda on Thursday as well.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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