Nigeria’s men’s cricket captain Suleiman Runsewe has praised the resilience, unity, and mental strength of the Yellow-Greens after they emerged champions of the West Africa Trophy, describing the campaign as a true test of character for the team.
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Reflecting on the tournament, Runsewe highlighted the physical and mental demands of playing back-to-back matches with limited recovery time, noting that the players rose to the challenge with maturity and commitment.
“It wasn’t easy at all. Playing games back-to-back tests your body and your mind, but the boys showed character,” Runsewe said.
The captain praised the squad’s fitness levels, explaining that preparation and discipline helped them cope with the intensity of the schedule.
“Fitness played a big role. The players stayed focused, followed instructions, and pushed through fatigue. That made the difference,” he added.
Runsewe emphasized the importance of unity, saying the team’s willingness to play for one another was the foundation of their success.
“This team played for each other. That unity is what carried us through the tough moments,” he stated.
He also commended the quality of opposition at the tournament, acknowledging strong performances from Rwanda, Zambia, and Sierra Leone, who all pushed Nigeria hard at different stages.
“Every team we faced was competitive. Rwanda, Zambia, and Sierra Leone all came prepared, and that made the competition even better,” Runsewe noted.
The Yellow-Greens captain reserved special praise for the younger players in the squad, urging them to remain humble and focused despite the success.
“To the young players, this is just the beginning. Stay grounded, stick to the basics, and keep learning. Your potential is huge,” he advised.
Runsewe believes the tournament victory is an important step in Nigeria’s cricket development, but warned against complacency.
“Winning feels good, but this is not the end. It’s a foundation to build on,” he said.
He concluded by expressing pride in leading the team and confidence in what lies ahead.
“I’m proud of the boys. This trophy shows what Nigerian cricket can achieve when we stay united and disciplined,” Runsewe added.
