Final Squad Battle Heats Up as Junior Female YellowGreens Trim Camp to 18

Posted : 26 July 2026

The battle for places in Nigeria's Junior Female YellowGreens squad has intensified after the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) trimmed its open camp from 22 to 18 players ahead of the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Tanzania.

The final phase of the camping exercise is currently taking place in Benin City, Edo State, where the remaining players are being put through rigorous training and evaluation as the coaching crew moves closer to naming the final squad.

According to a statement issued by the federation's Media Manager, Zeal Ibe, the current stage of the camp is designed to assess players in a high-performance environment, with emphasis on technical ability, tactical awareness, team chemistry, and role execution.

As part of the selection process, the players will feature in a series of practice matches against the senior women's national team and other selected opponents. The fixtures are expected to provide the coaching staff with a clearer picture of both individual performances and the team's overall readiness for the continental qualifier.

Ibe said the open camp remains a vital component of the federation's long-term player development programme, giving emerging talents the opportunity to compete for national team selection while meeting the standards required for international cricket.

He noted that competition for places has remained fierce, with players being assessed on consistency, discipline, adaptability, and their ability to perform under pressure.

The 18 players still in contention are Christabel Chukwuonye, Shola Adekunle, Omosigho Eguakun, Beauty Oguai, Jessica Bienni, Deborah Bassey, Inyene Ubong, Peace Usen, Anointed Akhigbe, Chisom Okpe, Precious Simon, Jennifer Godwin, GodsGift Ezeali, Promise Oko-Otu, Elizabeth Emmanuel, Praise Onaghise, Glory Idiahi, and Favour Effiong.

Head coach Sarah Bakhita said the camp is not solely about identifying the most talented individuals but also about building a cohesive team capable of competing successfully on the continental stage.

"Building a united and competitive team is equally important. This phase of camp is focused on bringing the players together as a team, defining and mastering individual roles, and creating an environment where everyone understands their responsibilities. The practice matches will provide valuable opportunities to assess our progress and ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead," Bakhita said.

Preparations will continue in Benin City as the Junior Female YellowGreens seek to assemble a balanced squad capable of securing qualification for the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup.

The ongoing camp and forthcoming practice matches are expected to play a decisive role in finalising the team, with the coaching staff aiming to select a squad capable of representing Nigeria strongly at the Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Tanzania.

Final Squad Battle Heats Up as Junior Female YellowGreens Trim Camp to 18

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics