Nigeria U19 captain Ali Rahmon has praised the Junior Yellow Greens’ disciplined bowling performance in their emphatic five-wicket victory over Ghana in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier in Rwanda.
Nigeria bounced back strongly from their opening-day defeat to Uganda, restricting Ghana to just 93 runs all out before completing the chase at 96/5 in 22.2 overs to secure a crucial five-wicket victory.
Rahmon credited the bowlers for maintaining pressure throughout Ghana’s innings, particularly through a steady supply of dot balls that prevented the hosts from building meaningful partnerships.
“The bowling unit was disciplined and kept the pressure on Ghana. The dot balls helped us control the innings and put us in a strong position.”
However, the captain believes Nigeria still has work to do with the bat. Despite chasing a modest target, the Junior Yellow Greens lost five wickets before reaching the required total.
Rahmon admitted that losing wickets while chasing such a small target is an area the team must address as the qualification campaign continues.
“We did well with the ball, but the batting needs to improve. Losing five wickets while chasing 94 is something we have to look at.”
The victory has revived Nigeria’s hopes of progressing from the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier, after the Junior Yellow Greens suffered an opening defeat to Uganda. Keneth Boniface was again influential, taking four wickets against Ghana before contributing 30 runs during the chase.
Nigeria’s preparation for the qualifier included a four-week high-performance camp designed to improve the players’ batting, bowling, fielding, fitness and tactical awareness.
The Junior Yellow Greens have now turned their attention to hosts Rwanda, with the crucial encounter scheduled for Wednesday, August 12. A strong result would further strengthen Nigeria’s bid to progress in the qualification race.
Rahmon and his teammates will therefore be looking for another disciplined bowling display while demanding greater composure from the batting department as Nigeria continues its pursuit of a place at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Troops of Enduring Peace have arrested four suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners during coordinated intelligence-driven operations in the Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that the operation also led to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, ammunition and other incriminating items.
It stated that the operation dealt a blow to suspected illegal arms supply networks fuelling insecurity in the state.
“Acting on credible intelligence received on 4 October 2026, troops of Sectors 8 and 4 conducted coordinated covert operations between 7 and 11 October 2026, leading to the arrest of the suspects,” it said.
The arrested suspects include Ayuba Sunday Abot, a suspected illegal arms fabricator operating in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA, and three suspected gunrunners identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, who allegedly operated across Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
The statement explained that items recovered during the operations include one locally fabricated revolver rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, one fabricated AK-47 barrel, one AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62 × 54mm ammunition, alongside other items suspected to be associated with the illegal activities.
“The recoveries are expected to provide valuable leads in ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering illicit arms production and distribution networks.
“Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed allegations that the recovered ammunition was purchased at ₦3,000 per round from an unidentified soldier,” it said.
It noted that the allegation is being thoroughly investigated to establish its authenticity and identify any persons who may have been involved in the alleged transaction.
It added that the suspects and recovered items were in the custody of the troops’ headquarters for further investigation and necessary action.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, Enugu State chapter, has condemned reported attacks on opposition parties in the state, particularly incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Speaking through the Obodoeze Media Project, the mouthpiece of the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma, the ADC said the reported use of firearms in a political environment was deeply troubling and represented a serious threat to public safety, democratic participation and peaceful coexistence.
The party sympathised with the NDC, its leadership and members over the disturbing developments.
“We call on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“While reports have circulated alleging that a life was lost, the Enugu State Government has disputed that claim, and the police have reported that a man sustained a suspected gunshot injury.
“We therefore urge the authorities to establish and publicly clarify the facts, while ensuring that the injured receive appropriate care and that justice is not compromised.
“We are equally concerned about the circumstances surrounding the restriction of NDC members who reportedly gathered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport to receive their party’s governorship candidate. Airports require appropriate security arrangements, and all applicable rules must be respected.
“However, those rules must be applied consistently, transparently and without political discrimination. Members of political parties and other groups are regularly seen welcoming associates and leaders at public arrival points.
“Any restriction imposed on one political party must therefore be supported by clear, consistently applied regulations rather than arbitrary or partisan considerations,” the statement said.
The party called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation to institute an independent and transparent inquiry, in conjunction with the appropriate airport authorities, to establish precisely what happened, the basis for the restrictions imposed on the NDC, and whether the same standards are applied to other political parties.
“Public institutions must remain impartial and must never create the impression that lawful civic participation is permitted for one group but denied to another on account of political affiliation.
“At this critical time, we urge all political parties, their supporters and relevant authorities to reject violence, uphold democratic principles and allow lawful political activities to take place in an atmosphere of peace, fairness and mutual respect.
“Our position remains unequivocal: the rule of law must prevail, equality before the law must be upheld, and the dignity of every human person must be recognised and protected, irrespective of political affiliation.
“No individual or group should be above the law, and no citizen should be made to feel that their rights are inferior because of the political party they support.
“Enugu State belongs to all of us. Its peace, democratic institutions and public resources must serve everyone without discrimination,” the party further stated.