Nigeria Cricket Federation president Uyi Akpata has urged the Junior Female Yellow Greens to surpass their previous performance at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup after their qualifying success in Tanzania earned them another place at the global tournament.
Speaking at an NCF reception held to mark the achievement, Akpata reminded the players that Nigeria finished sixth at the last Under-19 edition in Malaysia. He said the team’s greater experience, improved preparation and collection of talented young players should give them confidence heading into their next World Cup appearance.
“When we first went, we had no experience and did not know what awaited us, so we finished sixth,” Akpata said. “This time, we understand what to expect, we are better prepared and we have a talented group of young stars.”
Rather than set a precise finishing position, the federation president called on the squad to commit completely to the challenge. “All we ask is that you give it 100%,” he said.
Akpata also described the qualification as an important benchmark for Nigerian cricket, expressing the hope that the country’s Under-19 boys and senior national teams would secure qualification for their own major competitions. “Most importantly, you have established the standard,” he told the players.
At the same gathering, Akpata announced that every member of the squad would receive a full scholarship covering their university education. He said the support reflected the importance of developing the players both as cricketers and as students.
“On behalf of the Nigerian Cricket Federation, I can confirm that all of you will remain on full scholarship until you complete university,” he said. He also encouraged the players to maintain their academic efforts, stressing that intelligence, personal conduct and family values help distinguish them from others.
Nigeria completed an unbeaten qualifying campaign in Tanzania, securing its World Cup place after a tense final over in which the team successfully defended a slim target. Captain Christabel Chukwuonye praised bowler Anointed’s composure and the combined effort of the players under head coach Sarah Bakhita.
Chukwuonye added that Bakhita, Coach Agatha, Coach Theo and team physiotherapist Gift Udeh had built an environment in which the squad could concentrate entirely on the tournament. The Junior Female Yellow Greens will now begin their preparations for the World Cup, with the NCF promising stronger support arrangements before the competition.
