Nigeria men’s cricket captain Sulaimon Runsewe has remained optimistic about the future of the national team despite a difficult outing at the recently concluded Namibia Tri Series, insisting that the experience will play a significant role in the team’s development ahead of major international competitions.
The Yellow Greens endured a disappointing campaign in Namibia, losing all four of their matches against hosts Namibia and Hong Kong. While the results failed to meet expectations, the tournament provided the Nigerian squad with valuable exposure against quality opposition and highlighted important areas requiring improvement.
Speaking after the team’s return, Runsewe admitted that every player had hoped for a stronger performance but emphasized that international tournaments are also about learning, adapting and building character.
According to the Nigerian captain, the experience gained during the tour cannot be measured solely by victories and defeats. Instead, he believes the challenges faced by the squad will contribute to their growth as they prepare for tougher competitions in the future.
Runsewe explained that the tournament offered the players an opportunity to compete under pressure while developing a better understanding of one another on the field.
“It was a great learning experience for us. Of course, we wanted better results, but we have taken away valuable lessons that will help us improve going forward,” he said.
The Namibia tour was Nigeria’s first international assignment of the year and also marked the beginning of a new era under Zimbabwean coach Stephen Mangongo, who was appointed to lead the team earlier this year.
Mangongo, an experienced cricket coach with years of international exposure, has been tasked with rebuilding the Yellow Greens into one of Africa’s most competitive cricket teams.
Although the team is still adjusting to his coaching philosophy and tactical approach, the Namibia tournament provided an opportunity for both the players and coaching staff to assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses under competitive conditions.
The coach has already begun implementing changes designed to improve Nigeria’s batting consistency, bowling accuracy and overall tactical awareness.
Despite suffering four consecutive defeats, team officials believe the performances offered several encouraging signs, particularly in the commitment and determination displayed by the players throughout the competition.
Runsewe praised his teammates for maintaining a positive attitude despite the setbacks, noting that the spirit within the squad remains strong.
He stressed that success in international cricket requires patience, continuous improvement and a willingness to learn from difficult experiences.
Following their return from southern Africa, preparations have already resumed at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, where the players are undergoing intensive training sessions.
The coaching crew is focusing on correcting the technical errors observed during the Namibia tour while improving the team’s physical conditioning and match awareness.
The players are also working on strengthening communication, partnerships and decision making under pressure, areas that proved decisive during several matches in Namibia.
Attention is now turning toward Nigeria’s next major assignment, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional C Qualifier, which the country will host in October.
The tournament represents an important opportunity for the Yellow Greens to secure qualification for the next stage of the World Cup qualifying campaign while playing before home supporters.
Nigeria will welcome five other African nations including Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and The Gambia for the qualification tournament.
Hosting the competition is expected to provide the team with the advantage of familiar playing conditions as well as passionate home support.
Runsewe believes the lessons learned in Namibia will significantly improve Nigeria’s chances when the qualification tournament begins.
He expressed confidence that the coaching staff will use the experience to build a stronger and more competitive squad capable of challenging the continent’s leading cricket nations.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation has continued investing heavily in grassroots development and international exposure over the past few years.
Those efforts have helped produce a new generation of talented cricketers who are gradually establishing themselves at the senior level.
The federation remains committed to raising Nigeria’s profile within African cricket through improved infrastructure, coaching development and increased participation in international tournaments.
Sports analysts believe the appointment of Stephen Mangongo represents an important step in that long term vision.
His wealth of coaching experience is expected to help Nigeria develop greater consistency while nurturing young talents capable of competing at the highest level.
For Runsewe and his teammates, the road ahead presents both challenges and opportunities.
While the Namibia tour exposed areas that require improvement, it also reinforced the importance of resilience, teamwork and continuous learning.
With several months remaining before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional C Qualifier begins, Nigeria has enough time to fine tune its preparations and build confidence ahead of one of the country’s most important cricket tournaments in recent years.
The Yellow Greens will now hope to transform the lessons of Namibia into stronger performances on home soil as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
