Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup began on a victory note at the weekend when the Junior Female YellowGreens defeated Uganda by four wickets at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 campaign held in Tanzania.

At the game watched by many cricket enthusiasts, Uganda won the toss and elected to bat, but Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack kept their batters under sustained pressure, restricting them to 59 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.

Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime top-scored for Uganda with 22 runs from 34 balls, while Jimia Abdallah Mohamed contributed 13 runs from 25 deliveries.

Nigeria’s bowling unit delivered an impressive collective performance, led by Chisom Okpe, who claimed two wickets for just four runs in four overs, and Peace Usen, who returned figures of two wickets for 12 runs.

With 60 runs required for victory, Nigeria’s chase appeared under control before Uganda’s Tino Sarah produced a remarkable spell that brought the contest to life. Sarah claimed five wickets for 13 runs in four overs, including two maiden overs, as Nigeria lost wickets at regular intervals.

Despite the pressure, the Junior Female YellowGreens showed composure and determination to complete the chase.

Omosigho Eguakun provided the foundation for the innings with a patient 24 off 29 balls, while Christabel Chukwuonye supplied an important attacking contribution, scoring 13 from 10 deliveries, including three boundaries.

Nigeria’s campaign in the Africa Qualifier continues as the team looks to build on this opening result and press toward a place in the next stage of the global qualification pathway.

Nigeria will meet Malawi this morning in their second game of the series.