Kehinde Amusa, a rising star in Nigerian cricket, made a resounding impact in her senior debut at the 2025 Kwibuka T20i tournament in Kigali, Rwanda. The former junior team standout delivered a stellar all-round performance, propelling Nigeria to a convincing 36-run victory over Sierra Leone. Amusa’s contributions with both bat and ball were pivotal to the team’s success, showcasing her potential as a key player for the future. Her 23 runs off 28 balls provided crucial stability to the Nigerian innings, while her bowling figures of 2 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs stifled the Sierra Leonean chase. This impressive display underscored her ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly at the highest level.
Nigeria, led by Lillian Udeh in the absence of regular captain Favour Eseigbe, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Amusa, opening the innings alongside Esther Sandy, demonstrated remarkable composure for an 18-year-old making her senior debut. She held firm amidst a series of falling wickets, anchoring the innings until the 12th over. Sandy also chipped in with a valuable 18 runs, while Christabel Chukwuonye added 20 runs, bolstering Nigeria’s total to a competitive 104 all out in 19.4 overs. This collaborative effort laid the foundation for Nigeria’s eventual triumph, highlighting the team’s collective batting strength.
Sierra Leone’s pursuit of the 105-run target was hampered by disciplined Nigerian bowling. Despite a resilient knock of 40 runs from Emma Kamara, the Sierra Leonean batting lineup struggled to gain momentum. The Nigerian bowlers maintained consistent pressure, restricting the opposition to 68 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. This effective bowling performance, complemented by Amusa’s vital contribution, sealed the victory for Nigeria and showcased their ability to defend a total effectively.
This win marked Nigeria’s third victory in the tournament, solidifying their fifth position in the standings with six points. Although they sit outside the semi-final qualification spots due to net run rate, their performance in the tournament has been promising. The top four positions, which guarantee a place in the semi-finals, are currently held by Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Nigeria’s next match against Malawi presents a crucial opportunity to improve their net run rate and potentially challenge for a semi-final spot.
The Kwibuka T20i tournament, established in 2014, has become a prominent fixture in the women’s cricket calendar. Kenya has historically dominated the competition, boasting four titles. Rwanda, the host nation for this year’s edition, has also claimed the trophy once. In the previous edition, Uganda emerged victorious, with Zimbabwe finishing as runners-up. This tournament serves as a vital platform for the development of women’s cricket in the region, showcasing the increasing competitiveness and talent within African cricket.
Kehinde Amusa’s emergence as a promising all-rounder adds another dimension to Nigeria’s cricketing aspirations. Her impressive debut performance underscores the growing depth and potential within the Nigerian women’s cricket team. As the tournament progresses, Nigeria will look to build upon their recent success and strive to secure a semi-final berth. Their performance in Rwanda, coupled with the emergence of young talents like Amusa, signifies a positive trajectory for Nigerian cricket and highlights their growing competitiveness on the international stage. The Kwibuka T20i tournament continues to provide a valuable platform for teams to showcase their skills and promote the growth of women’s cricket in Africa.
