The Nigeria Cricket Federation has officially announced the selection of a strong 15-player squad for the upcoming 2025 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. The tournament is set to begin on January 18, 2025, and the team is gearing up for the competition.
Led by captain Lucky Piety, the squad includes talented players such as Shola Adekunle, Peculiar Agboya, Anointed Aikigbe, Lillian Ude, and Christabel Chukwuonye. The team also features Kehinde Amusa, wicketkeeper Deborah Bassey, Bieni Jessica, Omosigbo Eguakun, Victory Igbinedion, Naomi Memeh, Beauty Oguai, Inyene Umoh, and star bowler Peace Usen.
The team is under the management of Kenyan coach Sarah Bakhita, with former Yellow Greens captain Blessing Etim serving as her assistant. This lineup has remained unchanged from the qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda, where Nigeria secured their spot in the World Cup.
This will be Nigeria’s second appearance at a cricket World Cup, following the men’s U-19 team’s qualification for the 2019 World Cup in South Africa. In Malaysia, the Junior Yellow Greens will compete in Group C against tough opponents such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. Their first match is scheduled against Samoa on January 18, 2025, followed by games against New Zealand on January 20, 2025, and South Africa on January 22, 2025.
The 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is the second edition of the tournament, with India entering as the defending champions. The Nigerian team is determined to make a mark on the global stage and showcase their talent and skills in the upcoming competition.
With a strong squad and experienced coaching staff, the Nigerian team is ready to take on the challenge and compete against some of the best teams in the world. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament and are hopeful for a successful campaign for the Junior Yellow Greens in Malaysia.
