Sports

Nigeria Grabs Africa’s Sole Ticket To 2025 U19 Cricket World Cup

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria has secured Africa’s sole ticket to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia 2025.

Nigeria was declared the winner of the Under 19 Africa Qualifiers on Sunday after the final match against Zimbabwe was washed out due to a heavy downpour in the second innings.

The final game played at Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali, saw Nigeria win the toss and opted to bat, scoring 77 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.

In the chase, Zimbabwe started strong scoring 19/1 in 2.3 overs but was halted by the rain and play could no longer proceed.

However, ICC officials adjudged Nigeria the winner for being the only participant unbeaten at the qualifier and had also topped its group.

Meanwhile Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), in his reaction to the victory, said that the qualification is a reward for the hard work and tenacity of everyone involved.

“First, I must thank the players, for their boldness and dedication to this project. The board members too have been very supportive, and I will not forget the coaches and the technical team behind them.”

“The World Cup is a bigger task; we need more resources and a robust plan to run a successful campaign. All hands must be on deck, and it starts now,” Akpata noted.

Nigeria’s run to victory began with beating Tanzania by four wickets, Zimbabwe by one wicket, and overrunning Malawi by 86 runs to top Group B.

In the semi-final, Nigeria beat host Rwanda by 62 runs to set up the second encounter with Zimbabwe in the finals encounter was washed out.

The 2025 World Cup in Malaysia is scheduled for Jan. 18 to Feb. 2, 2025, with Nigeria in Group C alongside New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa.

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Sports

Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday

Published

19 hours ago

November 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.

In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.

The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.

The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.

It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.

“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.

“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.

“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”

The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.

Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.

She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.

In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.

They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.

The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

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