Nigeria has secured Africa’s sole ticket to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia in 2025.

Nigeria was declared the winner of the Under-19 Africa qualifiers on Sunday after the final match against Zimbabwe was washed out due to heavy rain in the second innings.

The final game, played at Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali, saw Nigeria win the toss and opt to bat, scoring 77 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. In the chase, Zimbabwe started strong, scoring 19/1 in 2.3 overs but was halted by the rain, and play could no longer proceed. 

However, ICC officials present adjudged Nigeria the winner for being the only unbeaten participant in the qualifier and for having topped its group. 

Meanwhile, Uyi Akpata, president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), in his reaction to the victory, said that the qualification is a reward for the hard work and tenacity of everyone involved.

“First, I must thank the players for their boldness and dedication to this project. The board members too have been very supportive, and I will not forget the coaches and the technical team behind them.”

“The World Cup is a bigger task; we need more resources and a robust plan to run a successful campaign. All hands must be on deck, and it starts now,” Mr Akpata noted.

Nigeria’s run to victory began with beating Tanzania by four wickets, Zimbabwe by one wicket, and overcoming Malawi by 86 runs to top Group B.

In the semi-final, Nigeria beat host Rwanda by 62 runs to set up a second encounter with Zimbabwe, but the final encounter was washed out.

The 2025 World Cup in Malaysia is scheduled for Jan. 18 to Feb. 2, 2025, with Nigeria in Group C alongside New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa.

(NAN)