Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team Guide
Nigeria has made significant strides in various sports over the years with cricket being one that has become more and more popular in the nation recently. The Nigeria women’s cricket team represents the country in international women’s cricket, with the side being organised by the Nigeria Cricket Federation. This side has been a member of the International Cricket Council since 2002, seeing significant progress both on the continental and global stage over the years.
History of Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team
The Nigeria women’s cricket team made its international debut at the 2011 ICC Africa Women’s T20 Tournament in Uganda. Despite a rocky start, losing their first game against the Kenya women’s cricket team, they secured a win against Sierra Leone. Their journey in international cricket saw a significant milestone in January 2019 when they played their first Twenty20 International (T20I) against the Rwanda women’s cricket team in Abuja, marking their entry into the format with a series win. This was after the ICC granted full Women’s Twenty20 International status to all its members in April 2018, allowing the Nigeria women’s cricket team to compete in T20Is officially.
Where Does The Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team Play?
The Nigeria women’s cricket team plays its home matches at various venues across the country, including the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, which has hosted several international fixtures and tournaments, showcasing the team’s talents on home soil. It has also been a ground used by the men’s Nigeria cricket team as well.
Former Captains Of The Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team
The Nigeria women’s cricket team has seen several captains over the years, with Blessing Etim notably leading the team. Under her captaincy, the team has participated in numerous international tournaments, demonstrating leadership and contributing significantly to the team’s development and successes on the field.
Top Run Scorers In Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team History
Salome Sunday stands out as one of the top run-scorers for the Nigeria women’s team, amassing over 700 runs in her career and being the first to do so for her nation. Following her are Blessing Etim and Lucky Piety, who have also made significant contributions with the bat during their careers.
Top Wicket Takers In Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team History
Racheal Samson leads as one of the top wicket-takers for the Nigeria women’s cricket team, being the first to secure over 40. Favour Eseigbe and Blessing Etim follow closely, showcasing their prowess in bowling and contributing to the team’s successes in the field.
Memorable Games For The Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team
One of the team’s most memorable victories for the Nigeria women’s cricket team came against Rwanda in their first T20I series in January 2019, where Nigeria emerged victorious in a closely contested series.
Another notable performance against the Zimbabwe women’s cricket team, with this being their first ever match against a full ICC member. Despite not coming out victorious, its certainly highlighted the progressive steps the Nigeria women’s cricket team have take since being founded just after the turn of the millenia.
Rivals Of The Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team
While the Nigeria women’s cricket team competes against various teams in the African region, their matches against the Uganda women’s cricket team and Namibia women’s cricket team have been particularly competitive, fostering a rivalry that showcases some of the best up and coming cricketing talent on the continent.
