NCF Opens U-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers Camp

Nigeria's Junior Female Yellow Greens are gearing up for the 2027 ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup qualifiers, with the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) initiating a comprehensive training camp. This move signals the nation's commitment to building on its previous success at the U-19 World Cup, where the team made its debut and reached the Super Six stage.

The NCF has assembled 21 players for the initial phase of camping at the High-Performance Centre in Benin, Edo State. The squad is being guided by a capable coaching team, including Kenyan coach Sarah Bhakita and the new Female Yellow Greens handler, Theophilus Ebidome, both of whom were part of the previous World Cup campaign. This focus on experienced coaching is crucial for developing the young talent scouted from national U-17 championships.

Nigeria faces a challenging path in the qualifiers, set to take place in Tanzania from September 25 to October 4. The team will compete against strong African rivals, including Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Malawi. The ultimate goal is to secure one of the two available spots for Africa at the World Cup, with the winner joining South Africa as the continent's representatives.

From our perspective, this preparation is vital. While international coverage might focus on the established cricket nations, we recognize the immense potential within Nigeria. The journey of the Junior Female Yellow Greens represents the growth of women's cricket in our country. The NCF's investment in youth development and international competition demonstrates a clear vision for the future, aiming not just to participate but to compete and win on the global stage. This is about building a legacy for Nigerian women in cricket.