Sports

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier: Nigeria Crush Sierra Leone in Dominant Start

Published

1 year ago

August 31, 2025

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.

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Sports

Drogba, Amuneke, Eguavoen Lead African Legends’ Arrival in Lagos

Published

9 hours ago

November 7, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With just one day to the much-anticipated Legends of Africa Football Game, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has arrived in Lagos, joining an impressive assembly of former African internationals already in the city ahead of Sunday’s star-studded encounter.

Drogba’s arrival further heightens anticipation for the game, which will bring together some of the continent’s most celebrated football figures at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Also in Lagos are Nigerian football greats Mobi Oparaku, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguavoen and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other members of the legendary Super Eagles generations of 1994 and 1996.

The African contingent also features distinguished names including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, Senegal’s El-Hadji Diouf, Ghana’s Stephen Appiah and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, among other former international stars.

The excitement will extend beyond the legends’ reunion, with popular Nigerian entertainers and celebrities preparing for a special Celebrity Match as part of the event. Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq, Teddy A and Charles Okocha are among the personalities set to feature in the celebrity fixture, scheduled to begin at 1:30pm.

The Celebrity Match will form part of a wider programme of activities designed to give fans a full day of football, entertainment and celebration before the main legends’ fixture, which kicks off at 5pm. Gates open at 1:30pm.

Organized by Toptier Sports Management in collaboration with Afreximbank and CANEX as part of CANEX WKND 2026, the game will feature 15 Nigerian legends taking on 13 African icons in a celebration of the players whose achievements helped shape the history of football on the continent.

Beyond the match, the programme includes a football clinic involving 500 young players, entertainment and special recognition for the heroes of African football.

The Legends of Africa Football Game promises a memorable gathering of football royalty, bringing together generations of fans to celebrate the enduring legacy of the continent’s finest players.

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