Nigeria’s women’s cricket team produced a dominant all-round performance to dismantle regional rivals Ghana women’s national cricket team in a one-sided “Jollof Derby” clash at the ongoing Nigeria WT20i Invitational Tournament in Lagos.
Playing at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, the hosts, popularly known as the Female Yellow Greens, secured a commanding 136-run victory in Match 5.
Nigeria posted an imposing 159/4 in 20 overs, before bowling Ghana out for a paltry 23 runs in 10.4 overs in one of the most dominant displays of the tournament so far.
Batting Brilliance Sets the WT20i Tone
Nigeria’s innings was built on discipline, structure, and strong partnerships, as the home side maximized their 20 overs to post a daunting total.
The Female Yellow Greens combined patience with calculated aggression, ensuring Ghana’s bowlers were kept under pressure throughout the innings.
Their total of 159/4 ultimately proved far beyond Ghana’s reach, setting the stage for a complete performance.
Ghana Collapse Under Relentless Pressure
In response, Ghana crumbled almost immediately under Nigeria’s clinical bowling attack.
Wickets fell in quick succession as the visitors struggled to cope with the hosts’ pace and precision, eventually folding for just 23 runs, highlighting the gulf in quality on the day.
In the heavy defeat, Elizabeth Annor provided a rare bright spark, producing a stunning catch that drew applause from spectators in Lagos.
Rwanda Edge South Africa U-19 in Thriller
In another fixture, Rwanda women’s national cricket team held their nerve to secure a dramatic win over South Africa women’s under-19 cricket team.
Defending a modest total of 104 in 14 overs, Rwanda restricted their opponents to 100, sealing a four-run victory via the DLS method in a rain-affected contest.
Patricia Kambarami Cup: Africa’s Rising Cricket Showcase
The 2026 edition of the tournament—now renamed the Patricia Kambarami Cup features five teams:
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Nigeria (hosts)
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Ghana
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Rwanda
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South Africa U-19
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Zimbabwe U-19
Organised by the Nigeria Cricket Federation, the competition runs from March 20 to March 29, 2026, serving as a crucial platform for preparation ahead of international qualifiers.
The federation emphasized the tournament’s growing importance:
“With the first ball to kick off on 20th March 2026, excitement is building as the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) prepares to host the 5th edition of the Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20 International (WT20i) at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, from 18th to 29th March 2026.”
“Unwavering Commitment to Women’s Cricket” – NCF
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, highlighted the broader vision behind the tournament:
“The Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20i represents our unwavering commitment to advancing women’s cricket in Nigeria and across Africa.”
“Welcoming five competitive teams, including South Africa U19 for the first time, highlights the progress we are making in positioning Nigeria as a destination for international women’s cricket.”
Captains Speak Ahead of Tournament Battles
Nigeria captain Piety Lucky expressed confidence in her team’s readiness:
“Yes, when we played South Africa at the U17 Wold Cup, we lost to them. We have since moved on and are better prepared now.”
She added:
“We are looking forward to playing our game and win. We respect all the teams participating in the tournament but not afraid of any team.”
Ghana captain Kokam Jacquline emphasized learning and growth:
“Ghana is in Nigeria to improve on our game and learn from the other teams present at the tournament.”
Meanwhile, South Africa U-19 captain Mieke Van Voorst shared her excitement:
“The team prepare well and expect to meet challenges because of the quality of the teams in the Lagos tournament.”
Nigeria Emerge as Strong Title Contenders
With this victory, Nigeria have sent a strong warning to the rest of the field.
Their balanced display, combining powerful batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, displayed them as one of the favourites for the title.
As the tournament progresses in Lagos, the Female Yellow Greens will look to maintain momentum, while Ghana must regroup quickly to remain competitive in the race for honours.
Results at a Glance
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Nigeria W beat Ghana W by 136 runs (159/4 vs 23 all out)
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Rwanda beat South Africa U-19 by 4 runs (DLS) (104 vs 100)
With matches continuing daily, the Patricia Kambarami Cup is already delivering drama, dominance, and a glimpse into the bright future of women’s cricket in Africa.
