Nigeria inflicted a crushing defeat on The Gambia to maintain their pursuit of a place at the 2020 World Twenty20 ©Twitter

Nigeria inflicted a crushing defeat on Gambia to maintain their pursuit of a place at the 2020 World Twenty20 in Australia as the African qualifier continued in Lagos.

The Nigerian side, beaten by Ghana in their opener at the World T20 Africa Qualifier A, recorded an 88-run victory over Gambia at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval.

CN Onwuzulike starred for the Nigerian team as the opener finished 90 not out from 70 balls, laying the foundation for a total of 144-3 from their 20 overs.

Onwuzulike was struggling for partners throughout his innings, however, as none of his team-mates were able to make a considerable contribution.

AA Onikoyi was the next top scorer for Nigeria with a score of 21.

While Nigeria failed to make a huge total, it still proved more than enough to overcome Gambia as they were bowled out for just 56.

Syvester Okpe produced a superb display with the ball, ending with figures of 4-7.

IO Okpe chipped in with three wickets for the loss of just seven runs.

Ghana's match with Sierra Leone at the same venue was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The prize for the top two teams will be a spot in the World T20 2020 qualifier, where they will take on the winners of the regional finals from Asia, Europe, the Americas and the East Asia and Pacific region.

The main qualifier is due to take place next year.

Australia are set to host the World T20 from October 15 to November 15 in 2020.

They will be hosting the event for the first time, with 16 teams progressing to the event.

Nine will qualify through the world rankings taken on December 31 this year, with six coming through the qualifying event in 2019.

Australia qualify automatically as the host nation.

The tournament in Lagos is due to conclude tomorrow.