BY JACOB AJOM

It was a bright start for Nigeria at the 2011 World Cricket League division 7 as the country’s representatives defeated Norway by a comfortable 5 wickets in the opening game of the tournament going on in Gaborone, Botswana.Nigeria won the toss and elected to field first.

In the opening innings, Norway were all out for 166 runs in 42 overs.

Nigeria captain, Endurance Ofem and Kunle Adegbola took three wickets each while talented youngsters, Ramit Gill and Saheed Akolade took two and one wicket respectively.

On the batting side, Salid Ahmed scored 37 runs off 55 balls before his wicket fell. He was ably supported by Adeel Ibrar with 36 runs while Shahbaz Butt scored 23.

Nigeria replied with 168 for five in 38.2 overs.

Onikoyi was the star of the Nigerian side with 40 runs and was ably assisted by Ramit Gill 37. Shaun Philip, 39 not out and Kunle Adegbola, 14 not out aided the Nigerian team to a very comfortable win that will serve as a big boost the boys who have been out there in South Africa on an intensive training tour.

The Nigerian side will clash with the German national team today while on May 4 they will tackle Kuwait.