Piety Lucky, captain of the Nigerian Junior Female Yellow Greens cricket team, reflects on her team’s journey to the 2025 ICC Women’s U-19 Cricket World Cup, a remarkable feat considering the relatively nascent stage of women’s cricket in Nigeria. From humble beginnings playing school cricket, Lucky and her teammates have rapidly ascended to the global stage, representing a significant milestone for Nigerian women’s sports. The team’s qualification for the World Cup signifies not only their individual growth but also the burgeoning development of cricket within the country, marking the first time a Nigerian female national team has achieved such recognition. Their participation is imbued with a strong sense of national pride and a determined mindset to make a lasting impression on the international cricketing scene.
Lucky’s personal journey into cricket is marked by both passion and perseverance. Her innate love for the game blossomed organically, nurtured by supportive senior colleagues during her school years. However, her pursuit of the sport wasn’t without challenges. Parental concerns, particularly from her mother, presented an initial hurdle. A poignant anecdote highlights her grandmother’s pivotal role in facilitating her participation in her first tournament, demonstrating the power of family support and highlighting Lucky’s unwavering determination to pursue her cricketing dreams even in the face of financial constraints. This early experience underscores the dedication and resourcefulness that have come to define Lucky and her teammates’ approach to the sport.
The team’s preparations for the World Cup have been rigorous and multifaceted, encompassing both on-field training and analytical study of their opponents. From intensive training camps in Nigeria to a crucial preparatory trip to India, the defending champions, the team has meticulously honed their skills and strategized for the challenges ahead. Their approach is characterized by a focus on taking each game as it comes, a strategy that proved successful during the qualifying rounds. Having meticulously analyzed their group stage opponents – Samoa, South Africa, and New Zealand – the team is well-prepared, aiming to leverage their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses. Their experience playing in the senior national team, including winning bronze at the African Games, adds a layer of seasoned expertise and confidence to their World Cup campaign.
The team’s mentality is resolutely focused on performing at their best and making a significant impact on the tournament. They approach the World Cup with the same champion mindset that propelled them through the qualifiers, viewing the competition not in terms of intimidating opponents but as an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete on a global platform. The federation’s unwavering support has further bolstered their confidence, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges ahead. This combination of preparation, experience, and a positive mindset forms the bedrock of their ambition to bring pride to Nigeria. Their minimum target is to reach the Super 6 stage, with aspirations of advancing to the semi-finals and ultimately competing in the final. This ambitious goal reflects their belief in their capabilities and their commitment to pushing their limits on the world stage.
Beyond the immediate goal of competing in the World Cup, the team recognizes the broader significance of their participation in promoting cricket within Nigeria. They view their presence on the global stage as a platform to showcase the growth of cricket in their country and inspire a new generation of players. They aim to challenge preconceived notions about the prevalence of cricket in Nigeria and establish the country’s identity as a cricketing nation. Success at the World Cup will not only bring accolades but also serve as a powerful catalyst for spreading the sport’s popularity throughout Nigeria, demonstrating its potential and attracting more participation. This awareness campaign is intrinsically linked to their on-field performance, with the belief that strong results will amplify their message and resonate more deeply with the public.
Despite their achievements and the significance of their World Cup qualification, the team acknowledges the disparity in recognition compared to more popular sports like football. However, this lack of attention does not deter them; rather, it fuels their determination to excel and gain wider recognition for their sport. The focus remains on consistent performance and growth, with the belief that recognition will follow naturally, both domestically and internationally. They are driven by a desire to contribute to the growth of cricket in Nigeria and establish its place as a prominent sport in the country. The team functions as a cohesive unit, benefiting from the leadership of coach Sarah Bhakita, whose adaptable and approachable style has fostered a supportive and productive environment. Combined with the expertise of other coaching staff, the team benefits from a robust support system that enhances their potential and facilitates their development. Looking ahead, the team envisions a bright future for Nigerian cricket, aiming to qualify for the senior World Cup and build on the foundation laid by their U-19 success. They see themselves as part of a larger movement within Nigerian cricket, with the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future. Balancing their cricketing pursuits with academic commitments, they are supported by their schools, which prioritize sports and provide flexible arrangements to accommodate their training and competition schedules. For Piety Lucky, the World Cup represents a personal opportunity for growth and exposure, aiming to learn from the experience and potentially participate in more leagues at a higher level of competition.
