Nigeria’s U-19 female cricket team is intensifying preparations ahead of the 2025 International Cricket Council Women’s U-19 World Cup qualifiers set to take place in Rwanda in August.
Led by former Kenya International Sarah Bhakita, the team has commenced its training camp in Ibadan, with plans to continue in Benin City in May.
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Assisting Bhakita is former Female Yellow Greens captain Blessing Etim, who retired after guiding the senior team to a historic bronze medal win at the 2023 African Games in Ghana. Also lending expertise to the team is women’s senior national team coach Leke Oyede.
The current squad comprises approximately 48 players who have progressed through the ranks of youth programs in recent years. As the camping exercises progress, the squad will be trimmed down to 25 players before the final 18-player list is released for the qualifiers.
Coach Oyede outlined the team’s training schedule, stating that the camping will continue until around July. Following the closure of the Ibadan camp, the team will move to Benin City, with plans for an intensive training camp in Lagos or a training tour outside Nigeria in July.
Nigeria aims to redeem itself after failing to qualify for the last edition of the tournament in South Africa. With the significant progress made in women’s cricket since the 2022 qualifiers, the team is determined to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup. The rigorous training and strategic planning demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to achieving success on the international stage.
