Sports
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier: Nigeria Crush Sierra Leone in Dominant Start
Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team, popularly known as the Female Yellow Greens, announced their arrival in style at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Namibia with a commanding 96-run victory over Sierra Leone.
Seirra Leone after winning the toss put the female YellowGreens to bat, Nigeria showcased their batting depth and power, piling up a formidable total of 182/3 in 20 overs.
Piety Lucky Player of the match, was the star of the innings, blasting a sensational 68 runs off just 36 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes, setting the tone with fearless stroke play. She was well-supported by Muhibat K. Amusa, who played a steady knock of 31 runs from 33 balls, before being run out.
The momentum was carried forward by Salome Sunday, who struck an elegant 47 off 33 deliveries, smashing 8 boundaries, while Christabel Chukwuonye added a quick-fire 20 off 15 balls. Their combined efforts powered Nigeria to one of their highest T20I totals in recent competitions.
In reply, Sierra Leone never looked comfortable against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack and could only manage 86/8 in 20 overs.
The Nigerian bowlers delivered with precision:Rachael Samson who made her 60th appearance for Nigeria was the most economical and effective, claiming 1 wicket for just 8 runs in 3 overs.
Adeshola Adekunle (1/10 in 3 overs) and Piety Lucky (1/12 in 2 overs) also chipped in with vital breakthroughs.
Contributions from Peace Usen (0/19 in 4 overs) and Muhibat K. Amusa (0/12 in 3 overs) ensured the pressure never eased on Sierra Leone’s batters.
Despite some resistance from Sierra Leone’s middle order, regular wickets at crucial intervals ensured Nigeria’s dominance throughout the innings. The final scoreboard reflected Nigeria’s superiority: Nigeria 182/3 (20 overs) defeated Sierra Leone 86/8 (20 overs) by 96 runs.
This emphatic victory not only boosts Nigeria’s net run rate but also depicts the teams readiness for other contenders in Group A, where the Female Yellow Greens will face host nation Namibia and regional powerhouse Zimbabwe in the coming days.
With confidence sky-high and both batting and bowling firing in unison, Nigeria’s quest for a World Cup spot has begun on the perfect note.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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