Photo Credit: Nigeria Cricket Federation / Punch Newspapers – File Photo: NCF President Uyi Akpata and the U-19 Female Yellow Greens during a dinner reception at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.
NCF President Akpata Grants Full University Scholarships to World Cup-Bound U-19 Female Cricket Team
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, has rewarded the Junior Female Yellow Greens with full university scholarships following their qualification for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Akpata announced the reward on Monday during a dinner reception held in honour of the team at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval in Lagos.

The gesture comes after Nigeria emerged champions of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Tanzania. The team defeated Zimbabwe by 4 runs in a thrilling final on Saturday, defending 98 runs and bowling out Zimbabwe for 94 to finish the tournament unbeaten with five wins in five matches.

The victory secured Nigeria’s ticket as one of Africa’s two representatives at the 2027 U-19 Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal, alongside South Africa. It will be Nigeria’s second consecutive appearance at the tournament after finishing sixth on their debut in Malaysia in 2025.

Speaking at the reception, Akpata praised the team for elevating the image of Nigerian cricket.

“The whole world is recognising us, and you girls are showing it on and off the pitch. One of our aims is to create a brand that everyone will want to work with, and you girls have enhanced that brand,” he said.

He added: “On behalf of the Nigeria Cricket Federation board, you are all on full scholarship until you finish your university. And for each member of this team who is not on the current national team contract, you will be given a special student contract.”

Akpata also assured the team that preparations for the World Cup will begin in earnest and urged them to remain focused on their education.

The squad, led by captain Christabel Chukwuonye, includes Shola Adekunle, Anointed Akhigbe, Omosigho Eguakun, Deborah Bassey, Jessica Bieni, Beauty Oguai, Peace Usen, Favour Effiong, Jennifer Godwin, Glory Idiahi, Chisom Okpe, Praise Onaghise and Inyene Ubong.

Omosigho Eguakun was a standout performer at the qualifiers, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and Best Batter with 139 runs from five innings at an average of 34.75.
Source: Punch Newspapers –