Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, embarked on their maiden voyage at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia with a spirited performance, securing a spot in the Super Six stage despite a challenging group stage campaign. Their journey began with a historic triumph, a nail-biting two-run victory over New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian cricket. This win, coupled with a shared point against Samoa, propelled them forward, even after a 41-run defeat (DLS method) to South Africa in their final group match. Their qualification solidified their position as the second-best team in Group C, laying the foundation for their Super Six aspirations.
The Super Six stage presents a new set of challenges, with Nigeria placed in Group 2 alongside formidable opponents, England and Ireland. The Junior Female Yellow Greens will face England on Saturday, January 25th, followed by a clash with Ireland on Wednesday, January 29th. Head coach Sarah Bakhita, while acknowledging the team’s nervy finish in the group stage, remains steadfast in her belief in the girls’ potential. Recognizing the increased difficulty of the Super Six, Bakhita emphasizes the importance of composure under pressure and maintaining a positive mindset. She believes that with fine-tuning and a resilient attitude, the team can secure the necessary points to advance further in the tournament. The team’s initial goal of reaching the semi-finals remains within reach, contingent on their performance in the upcoming matches.
Captain Piety Lucky echoes the coach’s sentiments, highlighting the valuable lessons learned from the South Africa defeat. The team intends to meticulously analyze their performance, identifying areas for improvement while also recognizing their strengths. Lucky stresses the positive atmosphere within the camp and expresses confidence that the analysis and subsequent adjustments will translate into improved performances and victories in the Super Six stage. The team recognizes the importance of converting their learnings into tangible outcomes on the field.
Beyond their own matches, Nigeria’s progression also hinges on the performance of the USA, who entered the Super Six Group 2 with the same number of points. This adds another layer of complexity to the equation, as Nigeria will need to outperform the USA to maximize their chances of advancing. The team’s awareness of this dynamic adds an element of strategic consideration to their approach.
The Junior Female Yellow Greens’ journey to the World Cup represents a significant stride for women’s cricket in Nigeria. Their qualification for the Super Six stage signifies their growing competitiveness on the global stage. The experience gained at this level will undoubtedly contribute to the development of the sport within the country, inspiring future generations of female cricketers. Their performance thus far demonstrates the potential for growth and success in Nigerian cricket, and their continued progress serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players and coaching staff.
The team’s success is not only a source of national pride but also a testament to the increasing global recognition of women’s cricket. Their participation in the World Cup showcases the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport across diverse nations. The Junior Female Yellow Greens’ journey stands as an inspiring narrative for aspiring female athletes in Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the power of perseverance and teamwork in achieving ambitious goals.
As the Junior Female Yellow Greens prepare for the crucial Super Six matches, the nation rallies behind them, eager to witness their continued progress on the world stage. Their story encapsulates the spirit of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring a new generation of cricketers and fans alike. Their performance will not only determine their fate in the tournament but also shape the future of women’s cricket in Nigeria.
