Cricket: Akpata Rewards W’Cup-Bound U-19 Girls With Scholarships

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, has rewarded members of Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens with full university scholarships and special student contracts following their qualification for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Akpata announced the incentives during a reception organised for the team at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos, celebrating their successful campaign at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Tanzania.

Nigeria secured the continental title after defeating Zimbabwe by four runs in a tense final. Defending a total of 98 runs, the Junior Female Yellow Greens bowled out Zimbabwe for 94 with one delivery remaining.

The victory completed an unbeaten campaign for Nigeria, who won all five matches at the qualifier and secured their place at the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.

Speaking at the reception, Akpata praised the players for their performances on and off the field, saying their achievements had enhanced the profile of Nigerian cricket.

He announced that every member of the squad would receive full educational support through university, while players who are not currently on national team contracts would also receive special student contracts.

Akpata urged the players to maintain their commitment to education while preparing for the global tournament, stressing that academic development remained an important part of their careers.

The team’s captain, Christabel Chukwuonye, led a squad that included Shola Adekunle, Anointed Akhigbe, Omosigho Eguakun, Deborah Bassey, Jessica Bieni, Beauty Oguai and Peace Usen.

Favour Effiong, Jennifer Godwin, Glory Idiahi, Chisom Okpe, Praise Onaghise and Inyene Ubong also featured in the successful campaign.

Eguakun emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and was named Best Batter after scoring 139 runs in five innings, averaging 34.75 with a strike rate of 104.51. Her highest score was 50.

Nigeria will join South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

The qualification marks Nigeria’s second consecutive appearance at the competition after the team made its debut at the 2025 edition in Malaysia, where it finished sixth.

The federation is expected to begin preparations for the 2027 tournament as the Junior Female Yellow Greens seek to build on their growing reputation on the international stage.