The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has stepped up preparations for the Junior Female YellowGreens’ campaign at the International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 qualifier in Tanzania.

The team’s open camp enters its final selection phase in Benin City, Edo.

Zeal Ibe, media manager of the federation, made this known in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

According to him, following an initial assessment, the coaching crew reduced the number of players in camp from 22 to 18 as the race for places in the final squad gathers pace.

Mr Ibe said the current phase of the camp aimed at assessing the players in a high-performance environment, with emphasis on technical execution, tactical awareness, team cohesion and role clarity.

He said the players would take part in intensive training sessions and a series of practice matches against the senior women’s national team and other selected opponents over the coming days.

Mr Ibe said the matches would help the coaching crew assess both the individual and collective readiness of the players ahead of the qualifier.

He added that the open camp remained a key part of the federation’s long-term high-performance pathway.

According to him, it provides emerging talents with a structured platform to compete for national team selection while maintaining the standards required to represent Nigeria at the international level.

He added that competition for places in the team remained intense, with players being assessed on performance, consistency and discipline.

Mr Ibe lauded their adaptability and ability to perform under pressure as the coaching crew moved closer to naming the final squad.

The 18 players retained for the ongoing open camp are Christabel Chukwuonye, Shola Adekunle, Omosigho Eguakun, Beauty Oguai, Jessica Bienni, Deborah Bassey, Inyene Ubong and Peace Usen.

Others are Anointed Akhigbe, Chisom Okpe, Precious Simon, Jennifer Godwin, GodsGift Ezeali, Promise Oko-otu, Elizabeth Emmanuel, Praise Onaghise, Glory Idiahi and Favour Effiong.

He said the preparations would continue in Benin City, as the Junior Female YellowGreens remained focused on earning selection and representing Nigeria with distinction at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Tanzania.

He quoted the head coach of the Junior Female YellowGreens, Sarah Bakhita, as saying that the objective of the camp went beyond selecting the most talented players.

“Building a united and competitive team is equally important.

“This phase of camp is focused on bringing the players together as a team, defining and mastering individual roles and creating an environment where everyone understands their responsibilities.

“The practice matches will provide valuable opportunities to assess our progress and ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead,” he further quoted the coach as saying.

(NAN)