…14-player squad unveiled by NCF
Nigeria’s Cricket Junior Female YellowGreens are set for another major test on the continental stage following the unveiling of a 14-player squad for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Tanzania.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 5, 2026, with Nigeria seeking to secure a place at the global U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), in a statement signed by its Media Manager, Zeal Ibe, said the squad emerged from an intensive selection process involving several zonal camp phases before the players converged in Benin for further assessment, training and competitive evaluation.
Christabel Chukwuonye will captain the team, while Shola Adenkule has been named vice-captain.
The squad also includes Omosigho Eguakun, Peace Usen, Anointed Akhigbe, Deborah Bassey, Jessica Bien, Inyene Ubong, Beauty Oguai, Favour Effiong, Chisom Okpe, Jennifer Godwin, Praise Onaghise and Glory Idiahi.
According to the NCF, the selection process was designed not only to identify the best available players but also to strengthen Nigeria’s women’s cricket development pathway and prepare young talents for the demands of international cricket.
Nigeria will face Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Malawi in a highly competitive field, with every match expected to be crucial in the race for qualification.
The tournament also provides an opportunity for Nigeria’s emerging female cricketers to build on the country’s historic qualification for the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025.
Several members of that historic generation have since progressed to senior international cricket, highlighting the importance of Nigeria’s investment in the U19 pathway.
With the squad now confirmed, the Junior Female YellowGreens will continue their final preparations in Lagos before travelling to Tanzania.
The technical team is expected to use the remaining days of camp to fine-tune team combinations, tactical awareness, match readiness and the mental resilience required to compete at the international T20 level.
For the young Nigerians, the Tanzania assignment represents more than another continental tournament. It is an opportunity to represent their country, test themselves against Africa’s leading emerging cricket talents and take another significant step towards the global stage.
