Cricket: NCF promises better preparations for Nigeria U-19 Girls ahead of 2027 World Cup
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has pledged to provide improved preparations for the Junior Female Yellow Greens ahead of their second successive appearance at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2027.
The assurance followed Nigeria’s impressive qualification for the global tournament after the Junior Female Yellow Greens emerged champions of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Tanzania.
NCF President Uyi Akpata gave the commitment during a reception organised for the team at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.
Nigeria secured the continental title after edging Zimbabwe by four runs in a tense final at the ESTIM Ground in Tanzania.
The Junior Yellow Greens successfully defended their modest total of 98 runs before dismissing Zimbabwe for 94 with just one delivery remaining.
The victory capped an unbeaten qualifying campaign in which Nigeria won all five of their matches, securing both the African title and a place at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Akpata said the federation intends to learn from Nigeria’s experience at the previous edition of the competition and ensure the players receive adequate preparation before travelling for the 2027 tournament.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s maiden appearance in Malaysia provided valuable experience for the team, but stressed that the lessons from that campaign would inform a more comprehensive build-up this time.
“Last time in Malaysia, we did not know what to expect in terms of preparations,” Akpata said, adding that the federation would begin preparations in earnest after a short break for the players.
Nigeria made history with its first appearance at the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia last year, finishing sixth in the global competition.
The NCF president believes the experience gained from that campaign, combined with the emergence of a talented group of young players, gives Nigeria a stronger foundation ahead of the 2027 edition.
“This time, we will be better prepared, and we have a group of talented youngsters,” Akpata added.
Nigeria will represent Africa alongside South Africa at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be staged in Bangladesh and Nepal.
The qualification marks another significant milestone for women’s cricket in Nigeria, with the Junior Yellow Greens increasingly establishing themselves as a competitive force on the continent.
For the NCF, the immediate priority will be to translate the team’s strong African qualifying campaign into a carefully structured preparation programme capable of improving Nigeria’s performance on the world stage.
With the players already having gained experience from their maiden World Cup appearance, the federation will be hoping that better preparation, increased exposure and the development of the young squad can help the Junior Yellow Greens go beyond their sixth-place finish in 2027.
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