Nigeria vs Uganda 5th Place Play Off 2025: Preview and Prediction

This match pits two competitive teams against each other: Nigeria vs Uganda will clash for 5th place in the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.

For both teams, this is not only a chance to salvage pride but also to firm up their standing among Africa’s emerging cricketing nations.

While neither side advances to the World Cup via this match, ending on a high note can boost morale, confidence, and momentum for future tournaments.

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Nigeria vs Uganda: Date, Time & Venue

• Date: 4 October 2025
• Time: 5:20 PM local time (Harare)
• Venue: Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

This mid-afternoon timeslot ensures playing under favorable light conditions and gives both teams enough time to adapt to pitch behavior.

Nigeria vs Uganda: Historical & Recent Context

Head-to-Head & Recent Form

These two teams haven’t been regular rivals at the senior level in T20s. Recent matchups are limited, so their head-to-head record is not heavily weighted in either side’s favor.

In terms of recent form in this tournament:

• Nigeria had a run of mixed results. They won their 5th-place play-off semifinal vs Botswana by 44 runs.
• Uganda defeated Malawi convincingly by 117 runs in the semifinal to reach this match.

Uganda’s win over Malawi was dominant: they posted a big total and bowled Malawi out or restricted them heavily.

Team Strengths & Weaknesses

• Nigeria: They have shown they can compete, especially with their bowling depth and pace options. Their batting, however, has been less consistent, particularly when trying to chase big totals.
• Uganda: Their batting in the semifinal was commanding, with standout individual performances. Their bowling also showed teeth in defending a total. But they have sometimes faltered when facing disciplined bowling attacks or when pressured in run chases.

Probable Playing XI

Here’s a possible 11-member lineup for each side based on squads and recent performances:

Nigeria (Probable XI)

1. Solomon Chilemanya (wk)
2. Ridwan Abdulkareem
3. Vincent Adewoye
4. David Ankrah
5. Isaac Danladi
6. Isaac Okpe
7. Peter Aho
8. Chiemelie Udekwe
9. Joshua Asia
10. Sulaimon Runsewe
11. Rasheed Abolarin

Uganda (Probable XI)

1. Cosmas Kyewuta
2. Joseph Baguma
3. Juma Miyagi
4. Raghav Dhawan
5. Sumeet Verma
6. Alpesh Ramjani
7. Dinesh Nakrani
8. Frank Nsubuga
9. Henry Ssenyondo
10. Ronald Lutaaya
11. Robinson Obuya

Nigeria vs Uganda: Match Analysis & Key Battles

Toss & Pitch Factors

The team that wins the toss may prefer batting first, given a chance to put up a target and let pressure build on the opposition.

The pitch at Takashinga typically offers a fair balance — some assistance to seamers early on, but also something for spinners later.

Batting vs Bowling Matchups

• Nigeria’s batting vs Uganda’s bowling: Uganda’s bowlers, especially spin and off-spin, would be under pressure to contain Nigeria’s middle order. If Uganda can strike early, Nigeria’s batting may wobble.
• Uganda’s batting vs Nigeria’s bowlers: Nigeria’s pace attack (e.g., Peter Aho) can test Uganda’s top order early. Uganda’s success will depend on partnerships and how well middle-order players like Dhawan and Verma hold under pressure.

Momentum & Psychology

Uganda arrives with confidence after a big semifinal win. Nigeria, having shown mixed form, will want to steady itself and upset momentum.

The psychological edge may favor Uganda, but Nigeria’s bowlers can upset if they execute plans well.

Nigeria vs Uganda: Prediction

Given the recent performances, Uganda will be the marginal favorite. Their batting in the semifinal was aggressive and consistent, and their bowling looked penetrative.

But Nigeria should not be discounted — if their bowlers strike early and their top order holds, they can upset.

Prediction: Uganda wins by 25–35 runs.

FAQ’s