Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have secured qualification for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time, after defeating Zimbabwe by four runs in a dramatic final of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Tanzania.

In a closely contested finale, Nigeria defended a modest total of 98 runs, bowling Zimbabwe out for 94 in 19.5 overs to secure the World Cup ticket.

The victory capped an impressive campaign for the young Nigerian side and confirmed their place on the global stage once again.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Nigeria faced a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack and finished their 20 overs on 98 for six.

Captain Christabel Chukwuonye led the batting effort with a composed 21 off 19 balls, while Beauty Oguai contributed 19 runs and Jessica Bieni added 15.

With Nigeria needing valuable runs in the closing stages, Deborah Bassey provided an important late contribution, scoring 10 runs from just four deliveries to help Nigeria reach 98.

It was a total that required a disciplined bowling and fielding performance to defend.

Zimbabwe began their chase with intent, but Nigeria’s bowlers consistently struck at crucial moments to keep the contest within reach.

Peace Usen produced the standout bowling performance for Nigeria, claiming three wickets for 19 runs from her four overs and disrupting Zimbabwe’s top order.

Jennifer Godwin added two wickets, while Shola Adekunle claimed one as Nigeria continued to apply pressure.

Zimbabwe’s resistance was led by Salem Princess Museka, who scored a determined 27 from 32 balls, keeping the hosts in contention deep into the chase.

With the required runs narrowing and the game moving into its final stages, Nigeria found themselves with only a slender margin to defend.

The decisive moment came in the final over, with Zimbabwe at 93 for nine, Nigeria needed one final wicket to complete the victory, while Zimbabwe remained within touching distance of the target.

The responsibility fell to Anointed Akhigbe, who had already dismissed Museka earlier in the innings.

Akhigbe held her nerves, with the fifth delivery of the 20th over, she bowled Vanessa Nyasha Maedza, completing Zimbabwe’s innings at 94 and sealing a memorable four-run victory for Nigeria.

Akhigbe finished with two wickets for 15 runs in 2.5 overs, with her dismissals coming against Museka and Maedza.

The final wicket triggered celebrations from the Nigerian players and support staff as the Junior Female Yellow Greens confirmed their place at the next ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

The qualification marks the second time Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have qualified for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, further underlining the progress of the country’s women’s cricket development pathway.

The achievement also reflects the depth of talent emerging through Nigeria’s junior women’s cricket system, with the team demonstrating composure, resilience and teamwork throughout the qualifying campaign.

The victory in Tanzania was built on contributions across the squad — from Usen’s three-wicket spell and Godwin’s two wickets, to Chukwuonye’s leadership, Bassey’s late runs and Akhigbe’s composure in the final over.

Most importantly, the result represents another significant step in Nigeria’s ambition to establish itself as a leading force in women’s cricket in Africa and compete consistently on the international stage.

Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens are going back to the World Cup.

One team. One mission. One more World Cup ticket secured.