Sports

Junior Female Yellow Greens Advance to Super 6 in ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Published on January 23, 2025

Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, has made history by advancing to the Super 6 stage of the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Despite a 41-run loss to South Africa in their final group match, the team secured second place in Group C, earning their spot in the next round.

The Junior Female Yellow Greens had a remarkable group-stage campaign, highlighted by a historic two-run victory over New Zealand earlier in the tournament. This win marked Nigeria’s first-ever triumph over a test-playing nation on the global stage.

Their match against Samoa was washed out due to rain, resulting in shared points. These performances ensured Nigeria finished with three points, just behind South Africa.

The final group game against South Africa at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, Malaysia, was reduced to eight overs per side due to rain. Nigeria’s captain, Piety Lucky, put up a strong bowling performance but couldn’t prevent South Africa from posting 49 runs for 2 wickets. In response, Nigeria managed only 24 runs for 8 wickets, falling short of the target.

In the Super 6 stage, Nigeria will face tough competition as they take on England on January 25 and Ireland on January 29.

England topped Group B, while Ireland finished third. The Nigerian team will need strong performances to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

The team’s success has been widely celebrated back home, with many Nigerians expressing pride in their achievement. Cricket is still a developing sport in Nigeria, and this milestone is seen as a testament to years of grassroots development efforts by the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF).

NCF President Uyi Akpata praised the team for their determination and highlighted the importance of their global debut in raising awareness about cricket in Nigeria.

Captain Piety Lucky expressed gratitude for her teammates’ efforts, saying, This is a very special moment for us. Everyone did their best, and it was a collective effort.

As the Junior Female Yellow Greens prepare for their Super 6 matches, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them succeed on the global stage. Their journey so far has not only showcased their talent but also signaled a bright future for Nigerian cricket.