Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-11 04:00:40
The national women’s cricket team of Nigeria, known as the Women Yellow-Greens, has made an impressive run in the ongoing Ghana 2023 African Games. Despite being pitted against stronger opponents such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Namibia, the Women Yellow-Greens secured a spot in the semifinals by finishing second in Group A behind South Africa. Their journey to the final four was marked by some notable victories and an inspiring display of resilience.
In a thrilling match against Namibia, which took place on Friday, Nigeria pulled off a 55-run victory, causing an upset in the competition. This win temporarily propelled them to the top of Group A, setting the stage for their crucial encounter against South Africa. Prior to this, Nigeria had faced Tanzania in a rain-affected match that ended in a draw, earning them 3 points heading into their match against South Africa.
Facing the best-ranked team in the event, South Africa, the Women Yellow-Greens knew they had a tough challenge on their hands. Despite suffering a four-wicket loss to South Africa in Achimota, Nigeria’s performance was commendable. The team’s captain, Blessing Etim, emphasized the importance of qualification to the next round, praising her teammates for their commitment and hard work. Despite the loss, Nigeria managed to secure a spot in the semifinals ahead of Tanzania, who also won their game against Namibia but fell short on NRR.
Uyi Akpata, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), lauded the team’s performance, attributing their success to hard work and commitment. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential and the vision of the federation’s leadership. The Women Yellow-Greens’ journey in the Ghana 2023 African Games has showcased their determination and skills, earning them a well-deserved spot in the semifinals.
On a different front, Nigeria’s U-20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, is gearing up for a crucial match against South Sudan. Following a 1-2 loss to Uganda in their opening game, the Flying Eagles are in need of a victory to keep their semifinal hopes alive in Group A. South Sudan, their upcoming opponents, are also seeking a win after their defeat to Senegal in the initial match.
As the Flying Eagles face South Sudan, the stakes are high for both teams, with a semifinal slot on the line. The competition in Group A intensifies as Uganda and Senegal battle it out for the top spot. With Uganda aiming to secure a win against Tunisia to climb to the summit of the group, every match becomes crucial in determining the teams advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
The performances of both the Women Yellow-Greens and the Flying Eagles highlight the competitive spirit and talent present in Nigerian sports. As these teams continue to showcase their skills and determination on the continental stage, they serve as inspirations for future generations of athletes in the country.
