With just 13 days to the first ball on 20th March 2026, excitement is building as the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) prepares to host the 5th edition of the Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20 International (WT20i) at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, from 18th to 29th March 2026.
A press statement signed by Mr. Zeal Ibe, Media Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation on March 7, 2026 said the prestigious five-nation tournament will feature host nation Nigeria, alongside Ghana, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and South Africa U19 Women, who will be making their first-ever appearance in the competition.
“Now firmly established as West Africa’s premier women’s international cricket tournament, the Nigeria Women’s Invitational continues to serve as a high-performance platform for emerging and elite female cricketers across the continent while strengthening international cricket pathways.
Since its inception, the tournament has grown significantly in global recognition, competitive quality, and developmental impact, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading hub for women’s cricket in Africa.
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, stated:
“The Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20i represents our unwavering commitment to advancing women’s cricket in Nigeria and across Africa. Welcoming five competitive teams, including South Africa U19 for the first time, highlights the progress we are making in positioning Nigeria as a destination for international women’s cricket.”
Participating teams will arrive in Lagos on 18th March, with matches commencing shortly after and running throughout the tournament window before concluding with the final fixtures and official departures on 29th March 2026.
“All matches will be played at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, a venue widely recognised for hosting major domestic and international cricket events in Nigeria.
“Beyond the on-field action, the tournament will also feature youth cricket clinics, and stakeholder engagement activities, designed to strengthen grassroots participation and expand the commercial ecosystem of cricket in Nigeria.
Further information regarding match schedules and tournament activities will be announced in the coming days as the countdown to the first ball on March 20 continues.
