U-19 World Cup ticket earns Junior Yellow Greens full university scholarships
Members of Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens have been rewarded with full university scholarships and special student contracts following their historic qualification for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Nigeria Cricket Federation president Uyi Akpata announced the package during a dinner reception for the team on Monday at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos, days after the youngsters secured Nigeria’s ticket to the global tournament.
The Junior Female Yellow Greens were crowned champions of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier after edging Zimbabwe by four runs in a thrilling final at the ESTIM Ground in Tanzania on Saturday.
Having posted 98 runs, Nigeria produced a disciplined bowling display to dismiss Zimbabwe for 94 with just one delivery remaining, completing a perfect campaign of five wins from five matches.
The victory secured the continental title and, more importantly, booked Nigeria’s place at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
Speaking at the reception, Akpata praised the players for their performances on and off the field, saying their success was helping to strengthen the profile of Nigerian cricket.
“The whole world is recognising us, and you girls are showing it on and off the pitch. One of our aims is to create a brand that everyone will want to work with, and you girls have enhanced that brand,” Akpata said.
He then delivered the major reward, assuring every member of the squad of financial support throughout their university education.
“At the very least, on behalf of the Nigeria Cricket Federation board, you are all on full scholarship until you finish your university,” he announced.
Akpata also revealed that players who are not currently on senior national team contracts would receive special student contracts.
“We must continue to do our best when it comes to schooling. Keep making us proud, and I want to assure you that preparations for the World Cup will begin earnestly,” he added.
Captain Christabel Chukwuonye led a squad that included Shola Adekunle, Anointed Akhigbe, Omosigho Eguakun, wicketkeeper Deborah Bassey, Jessica Bieni, Beauty Oguai and pacer Peace Usen.
Favour Effiong, Jennifer Godwin, Glory Idiahi, Chisom Okpe, Praise Onaghise and Inyene Ubong completed the squad.
Eguakun was one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the qualifying campaign, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. She amassed 139 runs from five innings at an average of 34.75, a strike rate of 104.51 and a top score of 50, earning the Best Batter award.
Nigeria will join South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The qualification also guarantees Nigeria a second consecutive appearance at the tournament, following their debut at the previous edition in Malaysia, where they finished sixth.
With the federation now backing the young players both academically and professionally, the Junior Female Yellow Greens will have an even stronger foundation as they begin preparations for their next challenge on the world stage.
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