Nigeria's Female YellowGreens Secure First Win at Kwibuka T20 Cricket Tournament Against Malawi

Nigeria's Female YellowGreens achieved their first win of the 2026 Kwibuka T20 Tournament, defeating Malawi by 52 runs in Kigali. After being put in to bat, Nigeria set a competitive total of 98/8 in their 20 overs. Jessica Bieni anchored the innings with an unbeaten 25 runs, supported by contributions from Sarah Etim (14), Favour Eseigbe (11), and Christabel Chukwuonye (11). Despite Malawi's Lucky Malino taking four wickets, Nigeria's lower-order batsmen secured a defendable score.

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Our plan was to go out there and score above 120, but credit must go to the Malawi bowlers because they really bowled well and troubled our batters. However, we had a Plan B. We never give up until the game is over.

In response, the YellowGreens delivered a strong bowling and fielding performance, restricting Malawi to just 46 runs in 10.3 overs. Player of the match Shola Adekunle was instrumental, taking 3 wickets for 15 runs. Henrietta Mbam contributed with 2 wickets for 16 runs, and Captain Favour Eseigbe sealed the victory with two wickets in three deliveries, finishing with figures of 2 wickets for no runs.

Captain Favour Eseigbe praised her team's resilience, noting their ability to adapt after falling short of their initial batting target. "Our plan was to go out there and score above 120, but credit must go to the Malawi bowlers because they really bowled well and troubled our batters," Eseigbe stated. "However, we had a Plan B. We never give up until the game is over."

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One of the biggest positives from this match is the team’s mindset. We don’t relent when things get hard; we keep searching for solutions because sometimes a breakthrough comes when you least expect it.

Eseigbe emphasized the team's positive mindset, highlighting their persistence in finding solutions even when facing difficulties. "One of the biggest positives from this match is the team’s mindset. We don’t relent when things get hard; we keep searching for solutions because sometimes a breakthrough comes when you least expect it," she said. The victory provides a significant boost for Nigeria as they prepare to face Brasil next in the tournament.

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I want to give credit to my teammates and coaching staff. The coaches were incredibly supportive and always believed in us. Before the second innings even started, the players knew it was going to be a battle, and everyone was ready to fight for the team. That determination showed on the field, and thankfully we came out victorious.