(Co-written by Seun & ChatGPT — though at this point, I feel like I'm the one scoring most of the runs in this partnership. ChatGPT is just holding one end steady ??)
Today was another warm-up match, this time against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. The place carries a very
different energy from Takashinga: historic, manicured, and full of pomp. With a 10,000-capacity stadium, it's
cricket's grand stage in Zimbabwe — and playing here made it clear that Nigeria is beginning to step into the big
leagues.
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On the Field
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first. In hindsight, that was exactly what our boys needed - a real test. Zimbabwe's openers started in a hurry, showing experience and game awareness. Nigeria had chances to peg them back early with a few missed catches and a run-out opportunity. That could have changed the story, but inexperience showed at key moments.
Still, the bowlers did well. Jimoh and Isaac in particular troubled the Zimbabwean batters. And then there was Sikandar Raza — world-class on display. He lit up the field with a brisk 32 runs off 17 balls (strike rate 188), before turning around to make life tough with the ball.
Chasing 177, Nigeria had a nightmare start: 8 runs for 4 wickets. But the recovery was inspiring. Vincent Adewoye struck a brilliant 40 off 29 balls, while Sly (our captain) and Sesan batted with maturity to stabilize the innings. The team fought back to 130 for 9 against an elite attack — not a win, but a glimmer of what's possible if the pieces fall into place.
Warm-up or not, it was a stern reminder of the levels Nigeria is aiming to reach.
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Off the Field
Zimbabwe feels like South Africa's neglected half-brother. Same British-style architecture, same global brands, but without quite the same polish or comfort. That said, Zimbabwe definitely beats South Africa when it comes to gun violence — here, you walk around without that shadow.
Yesterday, I explored a bit more of Harare:
- Eastgate Mall — a curious mix of modern ambition and dated upkeep. You can see what it was meant to be, but the economic squeeze shows. Still, it buzzes with shoppers and students. It reminded me of CMS in Lagos, only calmer and more orderly.
- Africa Unity Square — a park that could easily pass for any in the Western world. Shaded walkways lined with jacaranda trees (purple flowers everywhere in Harare) gave it a countryside feel right in the city center. Not perfectly maintained, but still beautiful, still calming.
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Reflections
Harare keeps peeling itself open in layers — rich in potential, but wrestling with gaps in attention and opportunity. Not unlike the Nigeria cricket team.
Today's performance reinforced the long-held belief: on a good day, Nigeria can give any team in the qualifiers a fight. I believe we should beat Malawi and Kenya if we play like this. Namibia will be a tough ask, but as we say back home: “Cricket na biscuit”… and it can break any time (hopefully in our favor).
If Day 1 was a hum and Day 2 was a soundcheck, then Days 3 and 4 were the full concert rehearsal. Ready or not, the concert is about to begin. All the best, lads.