Sports
Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens Make History, Qualify for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Again
Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have secured qualification 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 finale, Nigeria defended a modest total of 98 runs, bowling Zimbabwe out for 94 in 19.5 overs to secure the World Cup ticket.
The victory capped an impressive campaign for the young Nigerian side and confirmed their place on the global stage once again.
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 Nigeria reach 98.
It was a total that required a disciplined bowling and fielding performance to defend.
Zimbabwe began their chase with intent, but Nigeria’s bowlers consistently 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 from 32 balls, keeping the hosts in contention deep into the chase.
With the required runs narrowing and the game moving into its final stages, Nigeria found themselves with only a slender margin to defend.
The decisive moment came in the final over, with Zimbabwe at 93 for nine, Nigeria needed one final wicket to complete the victory, while Zimbabwe remained within touching distance of the target.
The responsibility fell to Anointed Akhigbe, who had already dismissed Museka earlier in the innings.
Akhigbe held her nerves, with the fifth delivery of the 20th over, she bowled Vanessa Nyasha Maedza, completing Zimbabwe’s innings at 94 and sealing a memorable four-run victory for Nigeria.
Akhigbe finished with two wickets for 15 runs in 2.5 overs, with her dismissals coming against Museka and Maedza.
The final wicket triggered celebrations from 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 qualified for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, further underlining the progress of the country’s women’s cricket development pathway.
The achievement also reflects the depth of talent emerging through Nigeria’s junior women’s cricket system, with the team demonstrating composure, resilience and teamwork throughout the qualifying campaign.
The victory 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.
Most importantly, the result represents another significant step in Nigeria’s ambition to establish itself as a leading force in women’s cricket in Africa and compete consistently on the international stage.
Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens are going back to the World Cup.
One team. One mission. One more World Cup ticket secured.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
