Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, known as the Junior Female Greens, has achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the 2025 ICC U-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia. The qualification came after they secured the Africa Qualifier Division 1 title on Sunday in Kigali, Rwanda. Their remarkable journey in the tournament culminated in a rain-affected final against Zimbabwe, where Nigeria emerged victorious, finishing the qualifier with an impressive unbeaten record. This achievement marks a historic moment for Nigerian cricket as it is only the second time the country has qualified for any cricket World Cup, the first being the men’s U-19 team in 2019.
During the final, Nigeria faced Zimbabwe for the second time in the tournament, having narrowly defeated them by one wicket in the group stages. The stakes were high, and the captain, Lucky Piety, made the strategic choice to bat first after winning the toss. However, the Nigerian team faced challenges against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, managing to score only 77 runs for the loss of eight wickets over 20 overs. Victory Igbinedion stood out during the innings, contributing 23 runs off 18 balls, but overall, the team struggled to build momentum against the opposition.
As the second innings began, Zimbabwe appeared to be in a strong position, scoring 19 runs for the loss of one wicket within just 2.3 overs. Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, rain interrupted the match, which played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory. With the rain coming down, the match was halted, and according to the rules, Nigeria was declared the winner due to their superior standing in the qualifier. This unexpected turn of events solidified Nigeria’s position at the top of the tournament, enabling them to claim the title and a place in the upcoming World Cup.
The 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to take place from January 18 to February 2, 2025, and it will be hosted in Malaysia. Nigeria’s participation is anticipated with excitement, as they are drawn into Group C, where they will face formidable opponents including New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. The experience gained from competing at this level will be invaluable for the young players, contributing to their development and the growth of women’s cricket in Nigeria.
This qualification for the World Cup not only serves as a moment of pride for the players and coaching staff but also has broader implications for the future of cricket in Nigeria. The success of the Junior Female Greens highlights the country’s growing talent in women’s cricket and marks a step forward in promoting the sport among young female athletes in the region. The achievements of both the U-19 men’s and women’s teams reflect positively on the Nigerian Cricket Federation’s initiatives to develop cricket at the grassroots level and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team has made history by qualifying for the 2025 ICC U-19 T20 World Cup after winning the Africa Qualifier Division 1 title. Their journey has been inspiring, showcasing resilience and talent, particularly in the final against Zimbabwe. The team’s upcoming participation in Malaysia will not only provide valuable experience but also elevate the profile of women’s cricket in Nigeria, fostering a greater interest in the sport among young women. As they prepare to compete against some of the best teams in the world, the Junior Female Greens are poised to make their mark on international cricket while representing their nation with pride.
