Head of Global Development for the International Cricket Council (ICC), William Glenwright, has lauded Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the 2025 ICC T20 U-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia, suggesting it could mark the beginning of the country’s rise as a cricket powerhouse in Africa.
Despite entering the tournament as underdogs, the Nigerian girls, fondly called the ‘Junior Female Yellow Greens,’ shocked the world by reaching the final six. They secured remarkable victories over Ireland Women (by six runs) and the formidable New Zealand team (by two runs).
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Competing on the world stage for the first time, Nigeria recorded two wins from five matches, with just one loss. Unfortunately, two games were abandoned due to poor weather, including a crucial fixture against England that ultimately denied them a semifinal spot as they finished third in Group 2 of the Super 6.
Reacting to their performance, Glenwright—formerly World Rugby’s general manager for Asia and Oceania—believes this tournament could serve as a turning point for Nigerian cricket, paving the way for their emergence as a dominant force both in Africa and globally.
“A stunning performance by @cricket_nigeria – I wonder if we will look back on this tournament as the inflection point for Cricket Nigeria and the establishment of another genuine power in African cricket,” Glenwright wrote on X.
The Nigerian team, set to return home today, has won the hearts of sports fans nationwide, putting the country on the global cricket map. Players like Lucky Piety and Lillian Ude have left their mark, cementing their names in history.
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