The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) is meticulously preparing the Junior Female Yellow Greens for their upcoming challenge at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2. This marks a significant milestone for Nigerian cricket, representing only the second time a national team has qualified for a global cricket tournament, following the men’s U-19 team’s appearance at the 2019 World Cup in South Africa. The young women earned their place on the world stage by triumphing at the Africa Qualifier Division 1 tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, in September, demonstrating their growing prowess in the sport. Their qualification underscores the NCF’s commitment to developing young talent and promoting women’s cricket in Nigeria.
The NCF has implemented a comprehensive training program to ensure the team is fully prepared for the rigors of international competition. The first phase of this program took place at the NCF’s high-performance center in Benin City, Edo State, providing the players with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching. The team will reconvene in Lagos on December 27 for a final training camp before embarking on a crucial 10-day pre-tournament camp in India. This international exposure will allow the players to acclimatize to different playing conditions and hone their skills against high-quality opposition, further refining their strategies and teamwork ahead of the World Cup.
The NCF has announced a 15-player squad for the tournament, retaining the same lineup that secured victory in the qualifying rounds in Kigali. This continuity fosters team cohesion and builds upon the existing synergy and winning momentum. Led by captain Lucky Piety, the squad comprises a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, including Shola Adekunle, Peculiar Agboya, Anointed Aikigbe, Lillian Ude, and Christabel Chukwuonye. The team also boasts the skills of Kehinde Amusa, wicketkeeper Deborah Bassey, Bieni Jessica, Omosigbo Eguakun, Victory Igbinedion, Naomi Memeh, Beauty Oguai, Inyene Umoh, and the formidable bowler Peace Usen. This diverse and talented group is poised to make a strong impression on the world stage.
The Junior Yellow Greens have been drawn into Group C, alongside formidable opponents New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. This challenging group presents a significant test for the Nigerian team, but also offers an invaluable opportunity to compete against some of the best young cricketers in the world. Their campaign begins with a match against Samoa on January 18, 2025, followed by clashes against New Zealand on January 20 and South Africa on January 22. These matches will be crucial in determining their progression in the tournament and will undoubtedly provide a platform for these young players to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience on the international stage.
The coaching staff, led by Kenyan coach Sarah Bakhita and assisted by former Yellow Greens captain Blessing Etim, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Bakhita’s international coaching experience and Etim’s intimate knowledge of Nigerian cricket provide a valuable combination of strategic guidance and player mentorship. This experienced leadership will play a crucial role in nurturing the team’s talent, fostering a positive team environment, and preparing the players for the challenges ahead. Their guidance will be instrumental in helping the Junior Yellow Greens navigate the pressures of the World Cup and perform to their full potential.
The 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup represents a significant step forward for women’s cricket in Nigeria. The Junior Yellow Greens’ participation in this prestigious tournament is a testament to the NCF’s commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level and providing opportunities for young female athletes to excel on the international stage. Their journey to the World Cup is an inspiring story of dedication, perseverance, and teamwork, and their performance in Malaysia will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of cricketers in Nigeria. This tournament represents not just a competition, but a platform for growth, development, and the continued advancement of women’s cricket in Nigeria.
