Who makes the Junior Female Yellow Greens’ final squad for the forthcoming ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier billed to hold in Tanzania? That is the question the team’s coaches will answer when they draw the final list of players from the current list camped in Benin ahead of the qualifiers.

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has intensified preparations for the qualifier with the team’s open camp entering a decisive phase in Edo State.

Following an initial assessment, the coaching crew has reduced the training group from 22 to 18 players, who will continue in camp as the race for places in the final squad gathers momentum.

The 18 players retained for the ongoing open camp are Christabel Chukwuonye, Shola Adekunle, Omosigho Eguakun, Beauty Oguai, Jessica Bienni, Deborah Bassey, Inyene Ubong, Peace Usen, Anointed Akhigbe, Chisom Okpe, Precious Simon, Jennifer Godwin, GodsGift Ezeali, Promise Oko-Otu, Elizabeth Emmanuel, Praise Onaghise, Glory Idiahi and Favour Effiong.

The current phase of camp is designed to evaluate players in a high-performance environment, with a strong emphasis on technical execution, tactical awareness, team cohesion, and role clarity. Over the coming days, the squad will participate in intensive training sessions alongside a series of practice matches against the senior women’s national team and other selected opposition to further assess individual and collective readiness.

Junior Female YellowGreens coach Sarah Bakhita said the objective of the camp extends beyond selecting the most talented players, with equal importance placed on building a united and competitive team.

“This phase of camp is focused on bringing the players together as a team, defining and mastering individual roles, and creating an environment where everyone understands their responsibilities. The practice matches will provide valuable opportunities to assess our progress and ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead.”

The open camp forms a key component of the NCF’s long-term high-performance pathway, providing emerging talents with a structured platform to compete for national selection, while reinforcing the standards required to represent the country at the international level.

Competition for places remains intense, with players being assessed on performance, consistency, discipline, adaptability, and their ability to execute under pressure as the coaching staff moves closer to naming the final squad.