Cricket: Nigeria’s path to glory as Women’s U-19 W’Cup begins

As the 2025 ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup begins in Malaysia on Saturday (today), ABIODUN ADEWALE takes a look at Nigeria’s group opponents

In a perfectly poised group of two debutants and two returning teams, Nigeria will face Samoa, New Zealand and South Africa in Group C of the 2025 ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup in Malaysia.

The Junior Yellow Greens and Samoa are the debutants while New Zealand and South Africa, who both featured in the first edition in 2023, are returning.

NIGERIA

Nigeria came through the Africa Qualifier to reach the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.

The Junior Yellow Greens secured their spot in Malaysia after a washout in the final of their regional qualifier, beating Zimbabwe to the ticket having accrued more points in the group stages.

That feat also marked Nigeria’s second-ever appearance at any cricket World Cup.

Star(s) to watch:

Nine members of Nigeria’s 15-player squad have played for the senior women’s national team, winning bronze at the 2023 African Games in Ghana last year.

In the qualifier, Victory Igbinedion caught the eye with a series of stellar batting performances, without forgetting Lillian Udeh’s several Player of The Match performances

After an ‘intense, productive and fun’ preparation camp, Nigeria are on a mission to impress and cause a few shocks on tournament debut, having begun that with a seven-wicket win over Scotland in their last warm up game.

“Our team’s main objective is to compete and aim for the highest goal in the tournament,” said captain Lucky Piety.

“Personally, this is an opportunity to play on a big stage and perform my best, not only for the benefit of the team but also for myself and Nigeria. Our ultimate aim is to make our country proud and leave a lasting legacy in the tournament.”

SAMOA

Samoa also have a chance to shine on the world stage for the first time.

They became the first Samoan team to qualify for a global tournament with an outstanding display at the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in May 2024.

Star(s) to watch:

Avetia Fetu Mapu’s outfit won five of their six games, beaten only by Papua New Guinea, with Angel Sootaga providing a consistent flow of runs alongside an even spread of wicket-taking bowlers.

Samoa meet fellow first-timers Nigeria in the opening game in Group C, which promises to be crucial to deciding which teams advance to the Super 6 stage.

“Our main objective is to play with heart, pride, and unity,” said Mapu.

NEW ZEALAND

One of 10 nations to qualify through their performance in the inaugural staging of the tournament in 2023, New Zealand will hope to be among the protagonists in Malaysia.

New Zealand will aim to go one better this time around having fallen short at the semi-final stage, where they were beaten by India by an eight-wicket margin.

“The experience and knowledge gained from this opportunity is invaluable,” said skipper Tash Wakelin.

Star(s) to watch:

The progress of Georgia Plimmer is proof that the event provides the perfect platform for emerging talent.

Plimmer averaged more than 50 runs with the bat two years ago and is now a fixture in the White Ferns side at senior level, with Fran Jonas and Izzy Gaze replicating her rise as the trio all contributed to victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

SOUTH AFRICA

Hosts of the first edition in 2023, South Africa only managed to reach the Super 6 on home soil two years ago. The team has their sights set on bettering that showing with an appealing mix of experience and freshness. They have seven players returning for a second bite of the cherry.

Star(s) to watch:

Wicketkeeper Karabo Meso and spinner Seshnie Naidu have both spent time in the senior international set-up, with Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt reserving particular praise for the latter.

“I thought she has good control for such a young leg-spinner,” said Wolvaardt about Naidu.

“It’s very exciting for the future and I hope she gets as much game time as she can.”

 “We want to represent Samoa to the best of our ability, both on and off the field. Winning matches and advancing in the tournament is definitely a goal, but it’s just as important to learn, grow, and gain experience from competing at this level.”

GROUP C MATCHES       

SAMOA VS NIGERIA                       SAT, JAN 18        3:30 AM

NEW Z’LAND VS S’AFRICA            SAT, JAN 18        7:30 AM

NEW Z’LAND VS NIGERIA             MON, JAN 20     3:30 AM

S’AFRICA VS SAMOA                      MON, JAN 20     7:30 AM

NEW Z’LAND VS SAMOA               WED, JAN 22      3:30 AM

S’AFRICA VS NIGERIA                     WED, JAN 22      7:30 AM