Sarah Bhakita, the head coach of the Nigerian women’s U-19 cricket team, has set her sights on a semi-final berth at the upcoming 2025 ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2. Having successfully steered the Junior Female Yellow Greens through the regional qualifiers, securing Africa’s sole spot against rivals Zimbabwe, Bhakita is confident in her team’s potential to make a significant impact on the global stage. This achievement marks Nigeria’s second appearance at the prestigious tournament, demonstrating the steady growth and development of women’s cricket in the nation. The team’s journey to Malaysia has been marked by rigorous preparation and strategic planning, underscoring their commitment to achieving a strong performance.
The Nigerian team, drawn into a challenging group alongside Samoa, South Africa, and New Zealand, faces a formidable task in their quest for a semi-final spot. Bhakita’s belief in her team’s capabilities stems from their demonstrated resilience, resolve, and ambition, qualities she believes will be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape of the tournament. The coach’s confidence is further bolstered by their in-depth analysis of their opponents, recognizing that each team presents a unique challenge but remains ultimately beatable. This strategic approach, coupled with the team’s inherent strengths, forms the foundation of Bhakita’s optimism and sets the stage for a thrilling campaign.
In preparation for the World Cup, the Junior Female Yellow Greens have embarked on an intensive training regime, comprising two phases of camping in Nigeria followed by a crucial stint at the OMTEX Cricket Institute in India. This meticulous approach aims to fine-tune the team’s skills and address any remaining weaknesses before they head to Sarawak, Malaysia for their warm-up matches against Pakistan and Scotland. These matches, scheduled for January 13 and 15 respectively, will serve as a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s preparedness under competitive conditions and make any necessary adjustments before the tournament commences.
The team’s time at the OMTEX Cricket Institute in India represents a critical component of their preparations, providing access to expert guidance and state-of-the-art facilities. Bhakita emphasizes that the focus during this period is on fine-tuning the skills already honed during the Nigerian camps, rather than introducing entirely new elements. This approach highlights the coach’s belief in the solid foundation laid during the initial phases of preparation and the importance of refining existing strengths and addressing identified weaknesses. The Indian camp serves as a final polishing stage, ensuring that the team arrives in Malaysia fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Nigeria’s World Cup campaign kicks off against fellow debutants Samoa at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia. This opening match presents an opportunity for both teams to make their mark on the tournament and establish a positive momentum for the matches to follow. Subsequently, Nigeria will face a sterner test against established cricketing nation New Zealand on January 20. This encounter will undoubtedly test the mettle of the young Nigerian side against a more experienced and accomplished opponent. The group stage concludes with a clash against South Africa on January 22, a match that could prove decisive in determining which teams progress to the Super 6 stage.
The Super 6 stage, featuring the top teams from each group, serves as a pathway to the semi-finals. Bhakita’s ambition of reaching the semi-finals reflects the team’s desire to not only participate but to compete at the highest level. Their journey through the group stages will be crucial in setting the stage for a potential deep run into the tournament. The combination of meticulous preparation, strategic awareness, and unwavering belief in their abilities provides a solid platform for the Nigerian team to strive for their ambitious goal and leave a lasting impression on the 2025 ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup.
