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By Akanimo Kufre
Captain Christabel Chukwuonye and Peace Usen delivered decisive performances as Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens secured qualification for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for only the second time, edging Zimbabwe by four runs in a thrilling final of the Africa Qualifier Division 1 in Tanzania.
In a contest that went down to the final ball, Nigeria successfully defended a modest 98-run target, dismissing Zimbabwe for 94 in 19.5 overs to clinch the tournament title and book their place on the global stage.
For Chukwuonye, the occasion was another opportunity to underline her value as both captain and batter. Leading from the front, she produced a composed 21 off 19 deliveries to steady Nigeria’s innings after Zimbabwe’s bowlers had kept the scoring under control.
Her contribution proved crucial in an innings where runs came at a premium. Beauty Oguai added 19, while Jessica Bieni scored 15, before Deborah Bassey’s explosive 10 from just four balls lifted Nigeria to 98 for six after 20 overs.
But with Zimbabwe requiring 99 for victory, the responsibility shifted to Nigeria’s bowlers — and Usen rose magnificently to the occasion.
The young bowler produced the outstanding figures of the final, taking three wickets for just 19 runs from her four overs. Her spell repeatedly disrupted Zimbabwe’s pursuit and ensured that Nigeria remained in control despite the narrow target.
Jennifer Godwin complemented Usen’s effort with two wickets, while Shola Adekunle claimed one. Anointed Akhigbe also played a decisive role, finishing with two wickets for 15 runs in 2.5 overs.
Zimbabwe, however, refused to surrender. Salem Princess Museka top-scored with a determined 27 from 32 balls, keeping the hosts within striking distance as the chase entered its tense closing stages.
With Zimbabwe on 93 for nine in the final over, Nigeria needed only one more wicket, but the margin for error was razor-thin.
Akhigbe, who had earlier removed Museka, was entrusted with the responsibility of closing out the match. She kept her composure and, with the fifth ball of the 20th over, bowled Vanessa Nyasha Maedza to send the Nigerian camp into wild celebrations.
The dismissal completed a dramatic four-run victory and confirmed Nigeria’s return to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Chukwuonye’s leadership was central to Nigeria’s success, while Usen’s disciplined three-wicket burst provided the bowling foundation for a defence that appeared improbable when Zimbabwe began its chase.
Together, their performances epitomised the character of a Nigerian side that showed composure with the bat, discipline with the ball and resilience under pressure.
The qualification represents only the second time Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have reached the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and is another significant milestone in the country’s development of women’s cricket.
From Chukwuonye’s captain’s knock to Usen’s match-defining spell and Akhigbe’s nerveless final over, Nigeria found heroes at crucial moments — a quality that could prove valuable when the young Yellow Greens take on the world’s best at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
