Nigeria Thrash Zambia by 19 Runs: Useni’s 4-Wicket Haul & Okpe’s All-Round Show Ignite West Africa Trophy 2025!
Abuja, December 4, 2025 – Nigeria kicked off the West Africa Trophy 2025 with a commanding 19-run victory over Zambia in the opener at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1. Batting first, the hosts posted 138/8 in 20 overs, powered by Isaac Okpe’s unbeaten 35 off 19 (3×4, 2×6) and Sylvester Okpe’s 23. Zambia, chasing 139, crumbled to 119 all out in 19 overs, with Prosper Useni’s sensational 4/14 dismantling the top order and Vincent Adewoye’s 4/24 cleaning up.
Captain Sulaimon Runsewe’s side defended stoutly after a middle-order wobble, with Useni and Adewoye starring in a clinical bowling display. Zoyeb Chand’s gritty 47 (46 balls, 6×4) kept Zambia alive, but regular strikes sealed Nigeria’s win. A morale-booster ahead of tougher clashes, this sets the tone for regional supremacy. Full scorecard, key moments, and what it means for the trophy!
Match Snapshot: Nigeria 138/8 beat Zambia 119 by 19 Runs
- Player of the Match: Prosper Useni (4/14)
- Nigeria Batting: Isaac Okpe 35* (19), Sylvester Okpe 23 (24)
- Zambia Bowling: Mohammed Asim 3/22
- Zambia Batting: Zoyeb Chand 47 (46)
- Nigeria Bowling: Prosper Useni 4/14, Vincent Adewoye 4/24
Nigeria’s Innings: Steady Start, Okpe’s Fireworks Rescue
Toss win and bowl? Zambia’s call backfired on a seamer-friendly pitch. Nigeria openers faltered – Runsewe LBW to Soyeb Pendi (2), Salau caught off Aslam Bera (18, 3×4) – 25/2 in 3.4 overs. Ajekun (5) fell soon, but Danladi (27, 2×4) and Sylvester Okpe (23, 2×4) rebuilt with 40-run stand, pushing to 76/4 in 11.2.
Middle collapse? Adewoye (9), Useni (6) – 94/7 in 14.4. Enter Isaac Okpe – unbeaten 35 (19, 3×4, 2×6) with Ndubudem (4) and Isiyaku (4*) added 37 in last 5.3 overs. Extras 5 wides helped – total 138/8 at 6.9 RRR. Zambia bowlers? Asim 3/22 economical, Bera 2/38.
Zambia’s Chase: Chand Fights Lone Battle, Useni Strikes Gold
Target 139? Zambia started strong – 37/2 in powerplay (Jakir Patel 18, 2×4, 1×6 caught off Okpe). Chand anchored – 47 (46, 6×4) – but partners crumbled: Bhaidu (0), Shahnawaz (1) to Useni’s swing (1/3 in 0.6 ov).
Abbas (14), Dadabhai (20, 1×4, 1×6) added 35, but Adewoye’s burst (4/24) – Asim (0), Mutale (1), Dadabhai caught – reduced to 89/7 in 14.6. Javid (4) edged Okpe, Chand run-out? No – 111/8 in 17.3. Pendi (7*, 1×6) and Bera (1) fell to Useni – all out 119 in 19 overs, 6.26 RRR.
Key Performers: Useni & Okpe Steal the Show
- Prosper Useni (MoM): 4/14 – early breakthroughs, death yorkers.
- Isaac Okpe: 35* & 2/18 – rescue act + wickets.
- Vincent Adewoye: 4/24 – middle-order destroyer.
- Zoyeb Chand: 47 – lone warrior, but support lacked.
West Africa Trophy 2025: Nigeria’s Strong Start
T20I quad-series (Nigeria, Zambia, hosts Nigeria, guests) – round-robin for semis. Nigeria’s opener win? Momentum vs tougher foes. Zambia? Batting depth needed. Next? Nigeria vs Ghana Dec 6.
Final Verdict: Nigeria’s Commanding Kick-Off
138 defended with ease – Useni’s haul, Okpe’s all-round – Nigeria 1-0 up. Trophy race? Hosts favored. Tune in next!
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