Cricket: Akpata rewards W’Cup-bound U-19 girls with scholarships

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

Akpata made the declaration during a dinner reception organised for the team on Monday at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.

Nigeria were crowned champions of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier after holding their nerve to defeat Zimbabwe by four runs in a dramatic final at the ESTIM Ground in Tanzania on Saturday.

Defending a 98-run total, Nigeria dismissed Zimbabwe for 94 with one delivery remaining to complete an unbeaten campaign in which they won all five of their matches.

The tense victory not only crowned Nigeria champions of the continental qualifier but also secured their place at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 in Bangladesh and Nepal.

“The whole world is recognising us, and you girls are showing it on and off the pitch. One of our aims is to create a brand that everyone will want to work with, and you girls have enhanced that brand,” Akpata said during the reception for the team at the TBS Cricket Oval on Monday.

“At the very least, on behalf of the Nigeria Cricket Federation board, you are all on full scholarship until you finish your university.

“And for each member of this team who is not on the current national team contract, you will be given a special student contract.

“We must continue to do our best when it comes to schooling. Keep making us proud, and I want to assure you that preparations for the World Cup will begin earnestly.”

Christabel Chukwuonye is the captain of the team and was joined by regulars including Shola Adekunle, Anointed Akhigbe, Omosigho Eguakun, wicketkeeper Deborah Bassey, Jessica Bieni, Beauty Oguai and pacer Peace Usen.

Other players in the squad are Favour Effiong, Jennifer Godwin, Glory Idiahi, Chisom Okpe, Praise Onaghise and Inyene Ubong.

Eguakun finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and was named Best Batter after accumulating 139 runs from five innings, with an average of 34.75, a strike rate of 104.51 and a highest score of 50.

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

It will mark Nigeria’s second consecutive appearance at the World Cup following their maiden appearance at the second edition, which was held in Malaysia last year. Nigeria finished sixth at that edition.