Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have qualified for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time after defeating Zimbabwe by four runs in a dramatic final of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Tanzania.
In a closely contested final, Nigeria defended a modest total of 98 runs, bowling Zimbabwe out for 94 in 19.5 overs to secure their World Cup ticket.
The victory capped an impressive campaign for the Nigerian side and secured their return to the global stage.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Nigeria faced a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack and finished their 20 overs on 98 for six.
Captain Christabel Chukwuonye led the batting effort with a composed 21 off 19 balls, while Beauty Oguai contributed 19 runs and Jessica Bieni added 15.
With Nigeria needing valuable runs in the closing stages, Deborah Bassey provided an important late contribution, scoring 10 runs from just four deliveries to help her side reach 98.
The total meant Nigeria needed a disciplined bowling and fielding performance to defend their score.
Zimbabwe began their chase with intent, but Nigeria’s bowlers struck at crucial moments to keep the contest within reach.
Peace Usen produced the standout bowling performance for Nigeria, claiming three wickets for 19 runs from her four overs and disrupting Zimbabwe’s top order.
Jennifer Godwin added two wickets, while Shola Adekunle claimed one as Nigeria continued to apply pressure.
Zimbabwe’s resistance was led by Salem Princess Museka, who scored a determined 27 off 32 balls to keep the hosts in contention deep into the chase.
As the required runs narrowed and the game moved into its final stages, Nigeria had only a slender margin to defend.
The decisive moment came in the final over with Zimbabwe on 93 for nine, needing six runs to win and just one wicket separating Nigeria from victory.
The responsibility fell to Anointed Akhigbe, who had already dismissed Museka earlier in the innings.
Akhigbe held her nerve and, with the fifth delivery of the 20th over, bowled Vanessa Nyasha Maedza to complete Zimbabwe’s innings at 94 and seal a memorable four-run victory for Nigeria.
Akhigbe finished with two wickets for 15 runs in 2.5 overs, dismissing Museka and Maedza.
The final wicket sparked celebrations among the Nigerian players and support staff as the Junior Female Yellow Greens confirmed their place at the next ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The qualification marks the second time Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have reached the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, further underlining the progress of the country’s women’s cricket development pathway.
The achievement also highlights the depth of talent emerging from Nigeria’s junior women’s cricket system, with the team displaying composure, resilience and teamwork throughout the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria’s success in Tanzania was built on contributions across the squad, from Usen’s three-wicket spell and Godwin’s two wickets to Chukwuonye’s leadership, Bassey’s late runs and Akhigbe’s composure in the final over.
The result represents another significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to establish itself as a leading force in women’s cricket in Africa and compete consistently on the international stage.
