Cricket: Runsewe Sees Positives Despite Namibia Tri-Series Struggles

Nigeria cricket captain Sulaimon Runsewe says the national team has plenty of work ahead after a disappointing outing at the Namibia Tri-Series, but believes the experience will help the squad improve under new head coach Stephen Mangongo.

The Yellow Greens lost all four matches at the tournament in June, suffering two defeats each against hosts Namibia and Hong Kong.

Despite the poor results, Runsewe said the competition provided valuable lessons for a relatively new team still adapting to a new coaching system.

According to the skipper, the Namibia tour was the team’s first international assignment of the year and offered an opportunity for players to build understanding and strengthen teamwork on the field.

“It was great exposure for us. Things didn’t go as planned, but we learned a lot from the experience,” Runsewe said, adding that the players showed determination and character throughout the competition.

The tour was also the first under Zimbabwean coach Stephen Mangongo, who was appointed in May to lead the rebuilding of the national team.

Since returning from Namibia, the squad has resumed training at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos as preparations continue for the ICC Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Nigeria will host the tournament in October, with Gambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia competing for two qualification spots in the next stage of the World Cup qualification campaign.

Runsewe expressed confidence that the lessons learned in Namibia will help the team improve ahead of the crucial tournament on home soil.

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