Nigeria has secured Africa's sole spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Malaysia in 2025. This achievement was confirmed after Nigeria was declared the winner of the Under-19 Africa Qualifiers on Sunday, following the washout of the final match against Zimbabwe due to heavy rain during the second innings.

The final took place at Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali, where Nigeria won the toss and chose to bat first. They managed to score 77 runs, losing eight wickets over the course of 20 overs. Zimbabwe began their chase positively, reaching 19 runs for the loss of one wicket in just 2.3 overs before rain interrupted play, preventing any further action. As a result, ICC officials ruled Nigeria as the winner, recognizing them as the only unbeaten team in the tournament and the group leaders.

Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment, attributing the success to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. He extended his gratitude to the players for their courage and dedication, the board members for their support, and the coaches and technical staff who contributed to the team's journey.

Looking ahead, Akpata acknowledged that competing in the World Cup represents a significant challenge. He emphasized the need for additional resources and a comprehensive strategy to ensure a successful campaign. He called for collective effort from all stakeholders to begin preparations immediately.

Nigeria's path to qualification included several key victories: they defeated Tanzania by four wickets, narrowly overcame Zimbabwe by one wicket, and dominated Malawi by 86 runs, securing the top position in Group B. In the semi-finals, Nigeria triumphed over the host nation, Rwanda, by 62 runs, paving the way for their final matchup with Zimbabwe, which ultimately could not be completed.

The 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to occur from January 18 to February 2, 2025. Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside formidable opponents New Zealand, South Africa, and Samoa. This marks a historic moment for Nigerian cricket, highlighting the country’s growth and potential in the sport on an international level.