Nigeria has recently achieved a significant milestone by clinching the sole ticket from Africa for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Malaysia in 2025. This landmark accomplishment was confirmed after the final match against Zimbabwe was interrupted by heavy rain, leading to its cancellation. As a result, Nigeria emerged as the qualifier’s winner due to remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, demonstrating their strong performance and resilience in all their matches.
The decisive moment occurred at Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali, where the final match began with Nigeria winning the toss and opting to bat first. The team managed to put up a total of 77 runs while losing eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Zimbabwe’s chase started off promisingly, with a score of 19 for one in just 2.3 overs before the relentless rain disrupted play. The ICC officials, observing the situation, ruled Nigeria the champion due to their impressive record in the tournament and their strength in the group stages, where they had shown great determination and skill.
In response to their success, Uyi Akpata, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, expressed his gratitude and recognition for the collective efforts that led to this achievement. He emphasized the importance of dedication and teamwork among the players, board members, coaches, and the technical staff. Akpata acknowledged the qualification as a reward for the hard work put in by all parties, highlighting that it was just the beginning of a much larger challenge that lies ahead as they prepare for the World Cup.
Nigeria’s journey to this qualification was marked by a series of impressive performances, which began with their four-wicket victory over Tanzania, followed by a narrow one-wicket win against Zimbabwe, and a commanding victory over Malawi by 86 runs. These successes allowed Nigeria to finish at the top of Group B, showcasing their development and competitive spirit throughout the tournament. Their semi-final match saw them defeat the host nation, Rwanda, with a decisive 62-run victory, further solidifying their position in the final.
The upcoming World Cup in Malaysia is set to take place from January 18 to February 2, 2025. Nigeria will face challenging competition in Group C, where they will be joined by notable teams such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. The diverse strengths and capabilities of these teams will require Nigeria to develop a thorough and strategic approach leading up to the tournament. Akpata emphasized the necessity for increased resources and a robust plan to prepare effectively, highlighting the importance of all stakeholders being involved in the preparation process to ensure a successful World Cup campaign.
As Nigeria prepares for this prestigious event, the focus will not only be on enhancing skills and strategies but also on creating an environment conducive for growth and development in women’s cricket. This qualification marks a pivotal moment for Nigerian cricket, signaling a new era of possibilities and showcasing the potential of their young talents on an international platform. The efforts invested in nurturing the sport at the grassroots level, alongside the support from national governance, will play a crucial role in ensuring that Nigeria fields a competitive team that can make its mark on the world stage.
