Nigeria edge Zimbabwe by four runs in a tense Africa Qualifier final to complete an unbeaten campaign and book their place at the 2027 tournament…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Nigeria held their nerve in a thrilling four-run victory over Zimbabwe to win the Africa Qualifier Division 1 final and book their place at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027.
The victory capped an unbeaten qualifying campaign for Nigeria, who claimed Africa’s sole qualification spot and will join South Africa as the continent’s representatives at the tournament, to be hosted jointly by Bangladesh and Nepal.
Nigeria posted 98 after being asked to bat before producing a disciplined bowling display to restrict Zimbabwe to 94, sealing victory with just one ball remaining.
Captain Christabel Chukwuonye led Nigeria’s batting effort with 21, while Beauty Oguai contributed 19 and Jessica Bieni added 15 on a challenging surface.
Zimbabwe’s Christine Mutasa claimed two wickets, with Tadiwanashe Garutsa taking one as Nigeria were kept under pressure throughout their innings.
Zimbabwe came close to pulling off the chase, with Salem Museka top-scoring with 27. Bethel Zinyama made 21 and Nicolette Nyika added 18, but Nigeria’s bowlers repeatedly struck at crucial moments to prevent their opponents from gaining control.
Usen Peace starred with the ball, taking three wickets, while Jennifer Godwin and Annointed Akhigbe claimed two wickets apiece in a composed defensive effort.
Nigeria captain Chukwuonye was overcome with emotion after the final whistle, praising her team for remaining united and composed under intense pressure.
“I actually cried when the game was over because I couldn’t really express what I was feeling,” she said.
“The next phase is just the beginning, and we know it will be tougher. My team has really been the best.”
She credited her players and coaching staff for helping the side withstand Zimbabwe’s late challenge.
“Even with the pressure in the last over, they were able to hold their nerves,” Chukwuonye added.
Elsewhere, Uganda secured third place after comfortably beating Rwanda by seven wickets. Chasing a modest target of 74, Uganda reached the total in 16.1 overs with three wickets down.
Hosts Tanzania finished fifth following a 29-run victory over Kenya, while Namibia claimed seventh place after thrashing Malawi by nine wickets.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the global stage after a memorable qualifying campaign, with their dramatic final victory underlining the growing strength of women’s cricket across Africa.
