The tournament will feature Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda and Zambia. The six teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya have already secured their places in the Regional Final through the first two Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers.
Nigeria Cricket Federation President Uyi Akpata welcomed the participating teams, officials, supporters and stakeholders to the competition in Abuja.
"On behalf of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, I warmly welcome you to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C taking place in the beautiful city of Abuja, our nation's capital. It is a pleasure to welcome our talented teams from Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda and Zambia, alongside officials, supporters and stakeholders," Akpata said.
Tournament to Showcase African Cricket Talent
Akpata said the tournament represented more than a sporting competition, describing it as a celebration of Africa's cricketing future and Nigeria's growing role on the global stage.
"This tournament is much more than a competition; it is a celebration of Africa's cricketing future and Nigeria's growing role on the global stage. Our iconic venues, rooted in tradition and filled with excitement, are ready to showcase your skills and talent to the world. Cricket is thriving across Nigeria and our continent, bringing nations together and inspiring our youth, and this qualifier, featuring the stars of all participating countries, is a proud milestone in that journey," he said.
Team Squads
Lesotho's squad includes captain Tseepiso David Chaona, Jabulani Matjatje, Lefulere Monanthene, Ejaz Patel, Mapiti Lerotholi, Tanki Khetsi, Chachol Tlali, Lebona Liokaoke, Momeduwesh Patel, Khouta Malei, Thame Gladwin, Bahlakoana Mejaro, Mohammed Khan and Mohammed Inshaf Farooq.
Mozambique's squad comprises captain Agostinho Navicha, Faruk Nhaduet, Lourenco Solomon, Jose Bulele, Kamathe Beze, Vieira Tembo, Gomes Frederico Gomes, Loureno Simango, Manusur Algi, Jose Joao, Joao Huo, Charles Mbebe, Quelido Ukeo and Emerson Ndzute.
Nigeria will be led by captain Chima Akachukwu. The squad also includes Peter Aho, Isaac Danladi, Elochukwu Ndubudem, Miracle Akhigbe, Sylvester Okepe, Selim Salau, Ali Rahmon, Abdullahi Ismail, Kenneth Boniface, Isaac Okepe, Abdulmumuni Mohammed, Kareem Ridwan and Vincent Adwoye.
The Gambia's squad features captain Bubacarr Kuyateh, Muhammad Manga, Modou Bojang, Musa Jobarteh, Aniru Conteh, Aliu Gibba, Malang Toure, David Demba, Usman Bah, Pa Asan Faye, Mustafa Suwareh, Frank Campbell, Falu Thorpe and Andreh Jarju.
Uganda's squad consists of captain Riazat Ali Shah, Robinson Obuya, Pius Oloka, Cyrus Kakuru, Alpesh Ramjani, Miyaji Juma, Enoch Kaseija, Kenneth Waiswa, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumit Verma, Joseph Baguma, Charles Musemeza and Anas Mirza.
Zambia will be captained by Javid Patel. The squad also includes Zakir Patel, Joebhai Chand, Zahirbhai Patel, Zakirhusein Patel, Chimya Chilekwa, Soeb Pendi, Wasimkaram Chand, Mahmad Dadabhai, Ismail Kara, Shadreck Malama, Robert Lungu, Musonda Yambayamba and Joseph Zulu.
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier C Schedule
The opening fixtures will be played on Tuesday, October 20. Uganda will face Zambia at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 1, followed by Lesotho against Mozambique at 1:50 pm at the same venue. Nigeria will take on The Gambia at 1:50 pm at NCF Oval 2.
On Wednesday, October 21, Mozambique will play The Gambia at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 1, while Lesotho will meet Uganda at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 2. Zambia will face Nigeria at 1:50 pm at NCF Oval 1.
Friday, October 23, will feature Nigeria against Mozambique at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 1, Zambia against Lesotho at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 2, and The Gambia against Uganda at 1:50 pm at NCF Oval 2.
On Saturday, October 24, Uganda will play Mozambique at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 2. The Gambia will face Zambia at 1:50 pm at NCF Oval 1, while Lesotho will take on Nigeria at 1:50 pm at NCF Oval 2.
The final scheduled day's fixtures on Sunday, October 25, will see The Gambia play Lesotho at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 1, Mozambique face Zambia at 9:30 am at NCF Oval 2, and Nigeria meet Uganda at 1:50 pm at NCF Oval 1.
With six teams competing for two qualification spots, the Abuja tournament will determine which sides progress to the 2027 Africa Regional Final, bringing them a step closer to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup qualification pathway.
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