Nigeria Crush Sierra Leone in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team, fondly known as the Female Yellow Greens, opened their campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek, Namibia, with a resounding statement of intent, recording a dominant 96-run victory over Sierra Leone on Saturday.

Put in to bat after Sierra Leone won the toss, Nigeria showcased their growing depth and attacking flair, amassing a formidable 182 for 3 in 20 overs—one of their highest totals in recent T20I history.

Star batter Piety Lucky, who was deservedly named Player of the Match, spearheaded the innings with a scintillating 68 off 36 deliveries, hammering eight boundaries and three towering sixes. Her fearless stroke play laid the foundation for Nigeria’s imposing total. She was ably supported by Muhibat Amusa, who contributed a composed 31 runs from 33 balls before being run out.

The momentum was sustained by Salome Sunday, who carved out an elegant 47 off 33 balls with eight fours, while Christabel Chukwuonye added a brisk 20 off 15 deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Their combined efforts ensured Nigeria entered the innings break with complete control of the contest.

In reply, Sierra Leone faltered under the weight of Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack, managing only 86 for 8 in their allotted overs. Nigeria’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, striking at regular intervals to deny their opponents any chance of building momentum.

Veteran bowler Rachael Samson, making her 60th international appearance, stood out for her economy and precision, conceding just eight runs and picking up one wicket in three overs. Adeshola Adekunle (1/10 in 3 overs) and Piety Lucky (1/12 in 2 overs) further tightened the screws with key breakthroughs, while Peace Usen (0/19 in 4 overs) and Muhibat Amusa (0/12 in 3 overs) ensured there was no let-up in intensity.

Despite brief resistance from Sierra Leone’s middle order, Nigeria’s bowlers kept the pressure intact, sealing an emphatic 96-run victory—the perfect start to their qualifying campaign.

This win not only boosts Nigeria’s net run rate but also sends a strong message to Group A rivals, including hosts Namibia and tournament favorites Zimbabwe, whom the Female Yellow Greens are set to face in the coming days.

With confidence soaring and both batting and bowling units firing in unison, Nigeria has underlined their readiness to challenge for a coveted spot at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.