The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has appointed Veteran Zimbabwean tactician Stephen Mangongo as the new head coach of the Yellow Greens, ending months of speculation over who would succeed former coach Steve Tikolo.
Mangongo is also expected to serve as the federation’s High-Performance Manager in a dual role aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cricket development structure ahead of major international competitions.
His unveiling ceremony has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, at the TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos, according to officials familiar with the appointment.
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The Zimbabwean replaces Tikolo, who spent more than three years in charge of the national men’s team after his appointment in October 2022. Under Tikolo, Nigeria recorded notable improvements in youth cricket development and international competitiveness before his exit in January 2026.
Mangongo’s appointment comes at a crucial period for Nigerian cricket as the country prepares for the ICC 2028 T20 World Cup qualifying campaign later this year.
The new coach arrives with nearly three decades of coaching experience across different levels of Zimbabwean and African cricket.
He previously managed Zimbabwe’s U-15 and U-19 teams, the Zimbabwe ‘A’ side and the senior national men’s team, while also participating in multiple ICC tournaments.
One of the biggest moments of his coaching career came in 2014 when Zimbabwe stunned Australia in a tri-series victory widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest cricket upsets.
Mangongo also served as assistant coach during four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and participated in three ICC U-19 World Cups, giving him extensive experience at elite international level.
Beyond national team duties, the coach was heavily involved in talent development programmes and grassroots cricket expansion.
He previously directed Zimbabwe Cricket’s High Performance Programme and later established a private cricket academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he spent years mentoring emerging players.
Among the players linked to his developmental work are former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu and Hamilton Masakadza, who became the youngest centurion on Test debut.
Mangongo’s arrival is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s growing ambition to become one of Africa’s leading cricket nations following the rapid rise of the sport locally in recent years.
Nigeria has continued to attract global attention for its youth cricket structure, particularly after the country’s U-19 team qualified for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in recent years.
Officials within the federation believe Mangongo’s blend of elite coaching experience and youth development expertise could help bridge the gap between grassroots talent and senior international success.
The Zimbabwean coach also boasts several personal honours and achievements.
He won the ICC Intercontinental Trophy with Zimbabwe ‘A’ in 2008 and was named Zimbabwe’s Best Cricket Coach in 2009 before clinching the country’s Best Sports Coach award in 2010.
Mangongo also guided the Mountaineers to victory in the inaugural Stanbic T20 Tournament in Zimbabwe.
He holds an ICC Level Three Coaching Certification, a Senior Instructor’s Cricket Certificate (ICC)and a diploma in Marketing.
The federation has yet to publicly disclose the full details of his contract, but insiders say expectations are high ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international assignments.
