By Tomiwa Jagunna,Lagos
Nigeria picked Africa’s ticket at the International Cricket Council Under 19 Women’s World Cup Africa Qualifiers concluded at the Gahangha Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
Nigeria was declared the winner of the final match against Zimbabwe after the match was washed out in the second inning. Officials adjudged Nigeria the winner for being the only participant unscathed at the qualifier and had also topped its group.
International Cricket Council’s official handle announced on Sunday that, “The finals has been washed out at Gahanga 2 Oval, Kigali, and Nigeria qualifies for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in Malaysia as they topped the group and remained unbeaten.”
President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata said that the qualification is a reward for the hard work and tenacity that everyone involved had committed to it.
“First, I must thank the players, for their boldness and dedication to this project. The board members too have been very supportive, and I will not forget the Coaches and the technical team behind them.” He said
He added that the Federation’s next focus is to make sure the team resumes preparations for the World Cup in good time and seeks the support of all to make sure the World Cup campaign is a success.
Uyi added, “The World Cup is a bigger task; we need more resources and a robust plan to run a successful campaign. All hands must be on deck, and it starts now.”
Nigeria’s victories to picking the ticket included beating Tanzania by four wickets, Zimbabwe by one wicket, and overrunning Malawi by 86 runs to top Group B. In the Semi-final, Nigeria beat host Rwanda by 62 runs to set up the second encounter with Zimbabwe in the finals encounter was washed out.
The 2025 U19 ICC Women’s World Cup in Malaysia is scheduled to be held from January 18 to February 2nd, 2025 and Nigeria is in Group C alongside New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa.
