The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has unveiled a 14-man Junior YellowGreens squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2 in Rwanda.

This is contained in a statement by Media Manager of the federation, Zeal Ibe, on Thursday in Abuja.

The team’s Coach, Daniel Gim said that the players emerged from a three-phase selection process held in Abuja and Lagos.

Mr Gim stated, “The phases focused on technical ability, discipline, attitude and competitive performance. The camp featured players identified during the National-17 Championship, while we introduced them to the standards expected at international age-grade cricket.

“The second phase combined promising U-17 players with experienced age-grade cricketers, increasing competition, raising the quality and intensity of training sessions. The biggest improvement we’ve seen is their (players) attitude; their willingness to learn, compete and win has been outstanding.”

He said that the players understood that success in Division 2 would move Nigeria closer to Division 1 and eventual qualification for the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“Our ambition is to progress through Division 1 and earn a place at the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup,” he said.

Mr Gim urged the players to remain focused, stressing that hard and smart work would be crucial to achieving Nigeria’s qualification ambitions in Rwanda.

The squad comprises Captain Rahmon Ali, Ismail Abdullahi, Andrew Abah, Precious Ayeni, Daniel Ayodele, Kenneth Boniface, Princewill Chigozie and Bright Edem aside others.

Nigeria will face Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, Mozambique and Sierra Leone from August 9 to 15, seeking promotion to Division 1.

 (NAN)