Nigeria defeated the Cricket Cranes by one run at the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Abuja on Sunday after Uganda fell short chasing 149.
The hosts posted 148 all out after winning the toss and batting first at the Nigerian venue.
Isaac Danladi top-scored with 47 while Selim Salau added 30 as the openers put on 68 inside the powerplay.
Rahmon Ali contributed 35 before the middle order collapsed against disciplined Ugandan bowling.
Joseph Baguma claimed four for 21 and Juma Miyaji supported with two for 17 to restrict Nigeria.
Uganda lost openers Robinson Obuya and Raghav Dhawan cheaply to leave the chase in early trouble.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah anchored with 60 and Gerald Olipa made 18 in a 78-run stand that steadied the innings.
The pair put Uganda in control at the halfway stage with the required rate well within reach.
After their dismissals the lower order crumbled and wickets fell in clusters under scoreboard pressure.
Needing six runs from six balls Cyrus Kakuru was run out attempting a risky single.
Miyaji faced the final ball with three needed but could only manage a single to seal Nigeria's win.
It was Nigeria's first ever T20 international victory over Uganda in front of their home supporters.
The Cricket Cranes still qualified for the Africa finals despite the narrow defeat on Sunday.
Head coach Steve Tikolo faces scrutiny over the side's inability to close tight games consistently.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether the batting depth is too fragile when the top order fails.
How Nigeria beat Uganda in Abuja
- Nigeria won toss and batted first
- Danladi 47, Salau 30, Ali 35
- Uganda bowled Nigeria out for 148
- Baguma 4/21, Miyaji 2/17
- Uganda chase: Shah 60, Olipa 18
- Uganda 147/9 in 20 overs
- Nigeria win by 1 run
- Uganda still qualify for Africa finals
Watch the Highlights
Source: Kawowo Sports
