...As Nigeria, under 19 women’s Yellow-Greens gain momentum in warm-up matches
By Philips Robinson-Adefioye, UK
Former Nigerian, Yellow-Greens Women’s vice captain, Hannah Ayoka describes Yellow-Greens Women’s under 19 team qualification for the ICC Women’s U-19, T20 World Cup in Malaysia as amazing.
Ayoka who made this pronouncement in an exclusive interview with www.sunrisetimes.com.ng at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the London-Nigerian Cricket Club in Sussex, United Kingdom encouraged the girls to continue the good works.
As Nigerian Yellow-Greens Junior Women’s under 19 team sets to face Samoa in it first ever world cup match on Saturday at the Borneo Cricket ground, Sarawak, Ayoka said with the input and investment of the Nigeria Cricket Federation(NCF), on the team so far shows that nothing would be taken for granted when the girls file out against Samoa early Saturday morning.
In her words: “It is amazing that Nigeria’s name is written on the map through the qualification of the Yellow-Greens Women’s under 19 team to the ICC under 19, T20 Women’s World Cup.
“Honestly, I am very excited and my advise to them is to carry the good works going. The NCF has been doing a good job and her investment is speaking volumes which simply means: Nigeria’s first ever world cup match against Samoa tomorrow morning would never be taken for granted and a victory in that encounter will be a huge landmark for the girls.
” NCF investment on female cricket now is huge though back in our days female cricket wasn’t really promoted then, we did not really have that privilege or the chances to play like these girls are playing now, I feel like the good works that is placed down for them which has brought them up to this date and with the efforts of the coach is really awesome” Ayoka emphasized.
The Yellow-Greens U19 Women’s Cricket Team concluded their warm-up matches for the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup with a mix of valuable lessons and a statement victory.
Playing against Pakistan and Scotland, the team showcased resilience and potential, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect in the main tournament.
In a closely contested game at the UKM Oval in Bangi, Nigeria pushed Pakistan to their limits.
Bowling first, the Nigerian attack restricted Pakistan to 105/6, with disciplined bowling efforts keeping the score within reach. Nigeria’s chase began confidently, reaching 79/1 after 16 overs but Pakistan’s Quratulain (2/9 in 4 overs) derailed the effort with a superb spell, leaving Nigeria 11 runs short at 94/6.
Coach Sarah Bakhita reflected on the match, saying, “The warm-up matches have hinted at what we should expect at the tournament proper. Game-winning builds confidence, and we hope to perform better in the coming games.”
Bouncing back strongly, Nigeria delivered a clinical performance against Scotland at the Royal Selangor Club.
The bowling unit dominated, skittling Scotland for 62 runs in 17.5 overs. Lilian Ude’s 3/15, supported by early breakthroughs from Peace Usen and Muhibat Amusa, ensured Scotland never gained momentum despite Pippa Sproul’s 25-run contribution.
In response, Nigeria’s captain, Piety, led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 28 off 16 balls, including three sixes.
Victory Igbinedion added a steady 25, sealing the victory in just 11.3 overs with seven wickets in hand.
Nigeria, drawn in Group C, will face Samoa on January 18, 3:30 AM (WAT), New Zealand on January 20, 3:30 AM (WAT), and South Africa on January 22, 7:30 AM (WAT). The team’s performance in the warm-up matches underscores their readiness to compete on the global stage.
With the confidence gained from these matches, Nigeria’s young stars are set to make an impact at the tournament proper, turning their preparations into success on the field.
