By Jacob Ajom
Nigeria beat Ghana by six wickets to record its first victory of the Pepsi-ICC World Cricket League division 7 tournament in Botswana.

Despite losing two early wickets, a patient half-century from Endurance Ofem (56) and a hard-hitting century from Oladotun Olatunji (127), including 15 fours and two sixes, saw Nigeria reach 256 in forty-five overs to record a victory by six wickets.  Stephen Bagabena took two wickets for Ghana, including that of man of the match Olatunji.

Earlier, Nigeria had restricted Ghana to 254 for nine.  James Vifah (41), Simon Ateak (34), Samson Awiah (35) and Obed Harvey (33) created a strong foundation for Ghana, before the middle order crumbled and the side lost quick wickets.  Saheed Akolade was the leading wicket-taker for Nigeria, with three for 43.

Nigeria captain Adekunle Adegbola was pleased with the high standard of the game, saying: “It was a wonderful game from both sides, and a sweet victory for Nigeria.”

A disappointed Peter Ananya, captain of Ghana, believed his side let too many chances slip, saying: “Our fielding was poor.”

In the third match of the day, Fiji continued its good form to beat Germany by 163 runs.  After electing to bat, the Fiji middle order showed its depth, with Jikoi Kida (38), Sekove Ravoka (58) and Kitione Tavo (49) helping the side reach a total of 232 in its 50 overs.