Photo Credit: File Photo / Nigerian cricket players [As credited by Punch NG]
Cricket: Chukwuonye Relishes Nigeria’s U-19 World Cup Qualifier Triumph
Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket captain, Christabel Chukwuonye, says she broke down in tears after the Junior Female Yellow Greens clinched a dramatic qualification for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

The team held their nerve to beat Zimbabwe by four runs in a tense final of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier at the ESTIM Ground in Tanzania on Saturday.

The victory not only crowned Nigeria as African champions but also booked their ticket to the World Cup to be co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal in 2027.
“I actually cried when the game was over because I could not really express what I was feeling,” Chukwuonye said.
She praised her teammates for their unity and composure under pressure, especially in the final over.
“My team has really been the best. They listened to the coaches, stayed united and, even with the pressure in the last over, they were able to hold their nerves. I wouldn’t be here holding this trophy without the support of the coaching crew and my players. I am very grateful to all of them”.
Defending 98 runs, Nigeria bowled Zimbabwe out for 94 with one ball to spare to finish the tournament unbeaten with five wins from five matches.

Chukwuonye led from the front with 21 off 19 balls, supported by Beauty Oguai (19 off 35), Jessica Bieni (15 off 25) and an unbeaten 10 off 4 balls from Deborah Bassey as Nigeria posted 98 for six in 20 overs.

For Zimbabwe, Christina Mutasa was impressive with 2 for 11 in four overs including a maiden, while Tadiwanashe Garutsa conceded just eight runs in her four overs for one wicket.

Zimbabwe’s chase started brightly through Nicolette Nyika (18) and Mutasa (13) before Nigeria reduced them to 38 for five. A 47-run sixth-wicket partnership between Bethel Zinyama (21 off 31) and Salem Museka (27 off 32) revived their hopes.

Peace Usen led Nigeria’s bowling with 3 for 19, while Jennifer Godwin took 2 for 11 and Annointed Akhigbe claimed 2 for 15 to seal the four-run win in 19.5 overs.

The Junior Female Yellow Greens had earlier beaten Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania in the group stage before defeating Rwanda in the semi-final.

Nigeria will now join South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Source: Punch Newspapers