Cricket: Nigeria targets world cup ticket-Coach

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Head Coach Stephen Mangongo says Nigeria is determined to win the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday in Abuja, Mangongo said victory in the tournament moves the team closer to securing a place at the global tournament.

The coach said the team had prepared adequately for the competition and was focused on making the most of the opportunity to advance to the World Cup.

“The players are very good, and they are all set. We want to take that onto the cricket pitch. It is one of the pathways to the World Cup, so this is serious business,” he said.

The coach also said the team would approach the competition with the determination required to achieve its objective.

“We have done all we can. We now leave everything in the hands of God and bring our A-game to the tournament.

“Our target is that we are in it to win it. When you have an opportunity to be on the pathway to the World Cup, you take it as seriously as possible. Our target is to win it,” Mangongo added.

Nigeria captain Chima Akachukwu also expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, citing the players’ morale and preparations under the guidance of the coaching and technical staff.

“To represent their nation is every athlete’s dream and we know what is at stake.

“We are fully ready. The coaches, the entire backroom staff are fully prepared for this. We

“We are home team and not under any pressure. This is our home ground and we know how the conditions playout here.

“Our training has been quite intense and we are confident that all will work in our favour. We will not just get one of the two tickets, we will win the tournament,” Akachukwu added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the qualifier features six countries; Gambia, Zambia, Lesotho, Uganda, Mozambique and hosts Nigeria.

The top two teams will automatically progress to the Africa qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Nigeria begins her campaign against Gambia on Tuesday at the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) cricket oval in Abuja.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh