Uganda’s U19 cricket team, the Baby Cricket Cranes, has arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, ahead of their crucial ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign.
The team touched down earlier on Wednesday, ready to begin their quest for a spot at the 2026 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.
The qualifiers, running from March 28 to April 6, will see Uganda battle five other teams—hosts Nigeria, defending champions Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone.
With only one qualification spot available, the Baby Cricket Cranes must put up strong performances in their five scheduled matches, starting with their opening fixture against Tanzania on March 29 at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval.
Ahead of their flight, head coach Emmanuel Isaneez expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing the team’s preparedness for the challenge ahead.
“The boys have worked hard, and we are ready to give it our all. Every match is a final for us,” he said.
Uganda last played in the U19 Cricket World Cup in 2022 and is aiming for its fourth appearance on the global stage, having previously featured in 2004 and 2006.
Led by captain Gerald Olipa, the squad will now settle into their Lagos base and finalize preparations before taking the field.
