Sam Emelu
In a historic feat, the Nigerian Women’s Cricket team beat the Ugandan Women’s team by 3 wickets to pick the bronze medal at the ongoing All Africa Games in Accra.
Zimbabwe won gold at the event after they beat South Africa to Silver Medal in a Super Over. The two teams tied with 112 runs a piece in 20 overs on the Achimota Seniour Secondary School A Field in Accra.
Nigeria was the least ranked of the eight teams that the International Cricket Council-(ICC) Africa put forward to take part in the maiden outing of Cricket at the continental sports fiesta.
Hence, beating highly ranked Uganda in the third-place match complimented the team’s earlier accomplishment of dismissing Namibia with 55 runs during the group game.
Blessing Etim, captain of the Nigerian Team, said this event crowned her cricket and the leadership of the team and she will live to cherish the moment.
“I am very happy about this win and credit should go to the President of the Federation (Uyi Akpata), for his encouragement. I think this moment wouldn’t have happened if not for his encouragement and motivation. This is for him. And I want to thank God for this too,” she said.
After winning the toss, Nigeria Women had opted to bowl first, showcasing exceptional bowling prowess that saw them restricting Uganda to a modest total of 76 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.
The Nigerian innings commenced with an early stumble, losing three wickets within the first three overs. However, a resilient partnership between Salome Sunday and Abigail Igbobie steadied the ship, guiding the team to 58 runs for 5 wickets in 16.2 overs. Despite facing tense moments, Lucky Piety’s composure, coupled with her crucial partnership with Salome Sunday, propelled Nigeria to a thrilling victory.
In a heart-stopping climax, Nigeria required 7 runs from 6 deliveries to seal a historic win with 3 wickets to spare. Lucky Piety dispersed the 1st 2 balls for back-to-back boundaries, sending the Nigeria dug-out into euphoria and the Uganda bench to utter shock and disbelief.
Salome Sunday’s stellar performance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award, encapsulating her pivotal role in Nigeria’s bronze medal triumph.
Nigeria’s men’s team watched from the bench with coach Steve Tikolo. Their campaign will flag off with an encounter with Tanzania on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
