Against all odds, Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens are rewriting history at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia, proving that rankings and reputations don’t always decide the outcome on the pitch.
The team’s journey to the Super Six stage—highlighted by their shocking victory over cricket powerhouse New Zealand—has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
Now, with semi-final ambitions in their sights, they face the daunting challenge of England and Ireland in their quest for cricketing immortality.
Defying the Odds: Nigeria’s Meteoric Rise
In their maiden appearance at the tournament, Nigeria entered as underdogs in Group C but quickly silenced doubters.
They emerged as the second-best team in the group, finishing behind leaders South Africa and stunning New Zealand in what has been dubbed the tournament’s biggest upset.
The 25th-ranked Nigerians have already exceeded expectations by reaching the Super Six, a feat that assistant coach and former senior team captain Blessing Etim attributes to the team’s unwavering determination.
“Qualifying for the Super Six is not by luck, it is by hard work—and hard work pays,” Etim said. “Our players are capable, resilient fighters. All they need is our support and encouragement.”
Super Six Showdown: England and Ireland Await
The Super Six stage presents a herculean task, starting with a clash against world No. 2 England at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak.
England’s Davina Perrin, the tournament’s leading scorer with 110 runs and 18 boundaries, poses a significant threat.
Following this, Nigeria will face 10th-ranked Ireland at the YSD UKM Oval in Bangi.
While England and Ireland boast experience and depth, Nigeria’s fearless approach make them unpredictable opponents.
Their narrow loss to Pakistan in a pre-tournament warm-up game showcased their ability to challenge top-tier teams.
Key Players to Watch: Nigeria’s Emerging Stars
Captain Piety Lucky has been Nigeria’s standout performer, leading by example with her all-around brilliance. Yet, the team will need contributions from others if they hope to advance.
Lillian Ude has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in her bowling, where she has the potential to dismantle opponents.
Her composure during the final over against New Zealand was instrumental in securing the historic win. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Peace Usen has become the team’s X-factor.
Her spin bowling unsettled New Zealand’s batters, and her ability to deliver under pressure has earned her comparisons to some of the best young talents in the game.
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Cricket
Nigeria’s success at this tournament is a testament to the growing potential of women’s cricket in the country.
Despite limited resources and a lack of international experience, the Junior Female Yellow Greens have shown that talent and hard work can bridge the gap between developing and established cricketing nations.
For assistant coach Etim, the journey is as important as the destination.
“We know the standard of our players. They are fighters and strong, and we believe in them,” she said. “We will take each game as it comes and hope to move to the next level.”
The Road Ahead
With their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance, Nigeria will need to summon every ounce of determination, skill, and strategy to overcome their highly ranked opponents.
Victory against England and Ireland may seem improbable, but Nigeria has already proven they belong on this stage.
Their story is no longer just about participation—it’s about inspiring a generation and challenging the status quo in global cricket.
For the Junior Female Yellow Greens, the World Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s an opportunity to redefine what’s possible.
