The 2024 Nigeria Cricket Federation’s National Women’s Championship culminated in a thrilling final where the Edo State women’s cricket team triumphed over Akwa Ibom by 89 runs. This victory, which took place at the MKO Abiola Cricket Oval in Abuja, showcased the exceptional talent and skill present in women’s cricket within the region. Right-arm medium bowler Peace Usen delivered a standout performance, earning the Player of the Match title by taking five wickets in just four overs while conceding only six runs. This vital contribution was crucial in ensuring Edo’s dominant display and securing their championship title.
Captain Favour Eseigbe expressed immense pride in her team’s accomplishment, highlighting the collective effort and determination of all members to achieve this success. Under her leadership, the Female Yellow Greens demonstrated resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a commendable performance in the final match. The recognition of their hard work by the captain adds an encouraging narrative to the history of women’s cricket in Edo State, which continues to foster talent and skill among its players.
In the final match, Akwa Ibom won the toss and chose to field, a decision that ultimately backfired against Edo’s formidable batting lineup. The Edo team’s innings saw aggressive performances, with Igbinedion Victory leading the charge with a solid 40 runs off 54 balls. Piety Lucky contributed significantly with 36 runs from just 23 balls, while Annointed Akhigbe added 12 runs, bringing the team’s total to 128 runs. This collective effort marked a strong start for Edo, establishing a substantial target for Akwa Ibom to chase.
The second inning proved to be significantly challenging for Akwa Ibom, who could not handle the pressure exerted by the Edo bowlers. The inspired performance from the entire Edo team led to a swift dismissal of Akwa Ibom’s batting lineup, as they managed a mere 39 runs within 12 overs. This overwhelming victory not only demonstrated Edo’s cricketing prowess but also emphasized the progress and potential of women’s cricket in Nigeria, further amplified by the enthusiasm shown throughout the championship.
The president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, commented on the successful outcome of the 2024 National Women’s Championship, signaling a significant leap forward for women’s sports in the country. He acknowledged the concerted efforts in fostering and promoting women’s cricket, particularly evidenced by the introduction of the Women Criiio initiative during the tournament. Akpata’s remarks highlighted the caliber of talent displayed during the championship, which featured participants from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including states like Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, and Edo.
The year 2024 marks a promising phase for women’s cricket in Nigeria, building upon previous achievements such as the Female Yellow Greens’ bronze medal at the 2023 African Games in Ghana and the Junior Female Yellow Greens’ qualification for the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia. With initiatives that support girls’ participation in sports and a growing emphasis on developing cricket at the grassroots level, the future looks bright for women’s cricket in Nigeria. The successes achieved in recent tournaments serve to inspire younger generations, cultivating an environment ripe for the growth and development of female athletes in cricket and beyond.
