On the back of Monday’s historic win over New Zealand, Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens will hope to end the group stage of the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in style, when they come up against South Africa in their last group game today.
Although the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia has revealed that they are rarely underdogs, it is still a fight of the unequal as Nigeria and South Africa clash in the final Group C game at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.
Both teams, sitting top two in Group C, will go into the contest by 7:30 am Nigerian time to determine the winner of the group.
The Junior Yellow Greens announced their presence at the tournament with a huge upset, enduring a nerve-wracking fight to secure a two-run win over New Zealand in a 13-over match after her first game against Samoa was washed out.
South Africa comes from the back of an emphatic victory over Samoa and New Zealand in her first two games.
This will be the first time both nations will meet in a cricket game in the women’s category on the world stage. Although, both sides met at the 13th African Games in Ghana in March 2024, with South Africa presenting her `emerging’ squad in the tournament.
Notably, both teams have a good number of players who took part in the Games. Of South Africa’s 15-player squad at the 2025 World Cup, seven of those had been listed at the previous edition in 2023, which they hosted and reached the Super 6 stage.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s team in Malaysia 2025 has got eight of the 15 players, also participating in Ghana. This goes to say both sides are not ignorant of each other’s antics.
Leg spinner Seshnie Naidu’s 4/13 and all-rounder Kayla Reyneke’s 3/12 rattled Nigeria’s batting line-up to ensure the West Africans were 74 all out with eight balls to spare. In the defence, pace bowler Lilian Ude stepped to the occasion with 5/18 but was not enough to halt a four-wicket win for the South Africans.
Naidu alongside wicketkeeper Karabo Meso would bring senior team experience to the U19 squad as they are the only two capped players in the line-up in Malaysia.
Captain Reyneke is the leading wicket-taker for her side with four in the tournament, closely supported by Nthabiseng Nini’s 3/4 against Samoa on Monday.
But then, Nigeria’s skill with the ball has also been her strength.
The likes of Ude, who finished as the best bowler at the Games in Ghana with eight wickets, also contributed to Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup in Rwanda. She held her nerves while bowling the last over in the win against New Zealand on Monday.
All-rounder captain Lucky Piety is widely regarded as the poster girl of cricket women’s grassroots development in the country.
Piety was Player of the Match in Nigeria’s World Cup debut against New Zealand. She scored Nigeria’s first six and contributed with the ball as well.
One player to also watch out for is 15-year-old Peace Usen. She is widely regarded as the new kid on the block but her spin can unsettle any batter.
The 50-year-old Anambra-born Okoye was reported to have died in South African police custody at Limpopo on January 13.
A statement by NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu said the deceased had lived in South Africa for 22 years before his death.
Announcing Okoye’s death in the statement, Onyekwelu said: “With deep sorrow, the NICASA National Executives wish to announce the death of Mr. Jeremaih Offorbike Okoye, 50 years old, a native of Eziniffite Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigeria, who died in the custody of police authority in Limpopo on Monday, January 13, 2025.
“Investigations are ongoing to know what led to his death.
“We implore the police authorities to follow the rule of law in discharging their constituted duties.
“The late Mr. Jerry Okoye, who resided at 71 Magazyn Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa, hails from Eziniffite Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigeria. He had been living in South Africa in the past 22 years.
“NICASA executives have also made contacts with the victim’s family and friends in Limpopo. Our High Commission and Consulate have been officially informed and actions are currently being carried out in this regard.
“We in the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) say no to police brutality and killings, demanding justice for late Mr. Jerry Okoye. Our lives matter; nationality is not criminality.”
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South Africa is exploring an investment opportunity in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to boost industrialisation and transport system.
Highlighting the elements of the investment drive, President Cyril Ramaphosa said his country would collaborate with Nigeria to harness lithium to drive the green energy transition and electric vehicles (EV) batteries.
The South African leader, who expressed his country’s interest at the Nigeria -South Africa Business Roundtable in Cape Town, said Nigeria’s vast lithium reserves could serve as a cornerstone for industrialisation in the EV sector.
At the session, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Nigeria is a safe haven for investments, adding that there is a guarantee for ease of doing business under his administration.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that during the interaction, President Ramaphosa urged the private sector and development finance institutions to collaborate in building infrastructure and developing the manufacturing capabilities in this sector.
Emphasising the role of critical minerals in the global shift to a low-carbon economy, the South African leader called for collaboration in mineral processing and beneficiation at the source.
He said such partnerships would ensure that both nations maximise the value derived from their resources while bolstering their positions in the rapidly growing clean energy manufacturing sector.
President Ramaphosa alluded to the ‘South Africa’s Just Transition Framework and Investment Plan,’ which anticipates significant investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the next few years.
He said the approach aligned with global efforts to achieve sustainable development while reducing carbon emissions.
Ramaphosa also drew attention to the opportunities in pharmaceuticals, underscoring how the two countries are strategically positioned to benefit from burgeoning industries tied to clean energy and innovation.
He urged businesses from both nations to actively engage in initiatives that support green energy and sustainable industrialisation.
President Ramaphosa stressed:”There is also much opportunity for cooperation on pharmaceuticals. Our two countries are strategically positioned to benefit from the rapid growth of clean energy manufacturing industries.
“South Africa has developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan that anticipates massive investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the next few years.
“As part of the broader global transition to a low-carbon economy, we must leverage the abundant natural resources that exist in our countries to promote green industrialisation.
“We should leverage each other’s capabilities in minerals processing. We must work together to ensure critical minerals are beneficiated at source. We call on businesses to support and involve themselves in these initiatives.”
G20: South Africa to endorse Nigeria
The South African leader said his country will “keenly” support Nigeria, “a valued sister country”, to become a member of the G20 club of the world’s major economies.
He gave the promise at the official launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, few minutes before he received President Tinubu at Tuynhuys to co-chair the 11th Bi-National Commission between Nigeria and South Africa,
South Africa and the African Union are the continent’s only representatives in the G20.
Ramaphosa said other key African countries should also be admitted to the club “so that we can raise the voice from Africa, the neglected continent for the longest time.”
He said South Africa had been the lone voice for Africa in the G20 before the admission of the African Union last year after his country had lobbied for it to become a member.
He said: “We have a voice, we have a presence, and we will be the biggest growth story in years to come.
“Our population is going to grow by leaps and bounds, and therefore, as a continent, we are going to be a big noise, and we want that big noise to be recognised in the form of countries that will be part of the G20 right now.”
Nigeria safe for investment, says Tinubu
President Tinubu said Nigeria is safe for investment, urging South African businessmen not to entertain any fear.
To boost mutual confidence, Nigeria and South Africa fully operationalised the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment to enhance economic cooperation between the two leading African economies.
President Tinubu said Nigeria is open for business and ready to guarantee stability, security and the rule of law.
He promised to address the issues that discourage South African investors from growing their businesses and franchises in Nigeria, urging South Africa to reciprocate by allowing Nigerian companies to operate and flourish in the country.
President Tinubu said Nigerian officials would collaborate with their South African counterparts to facilitate the implementation of the agreed mandates under the Bi-National Commission.
He said: “Nigeria and South Africa are co-joined twins tied by the hips not only for survival but for the prosperity of the people.”
President Tinubu also said Nigeria is undergoing very stringent positive economic reforms to serve Nigerians and bring prosperity to Africa.
He added: “The reforms have begun to see the light of the day. You have no better investment than in Nigeria. You cannot earn better on your investments elsewhere except in Nigeria.”
President Ramaphosa, who shed light on the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Trade, said it was launched during his state visit to Nigeria in 2021.
Its aim was to address trade and investment challenges, foster policy alignment, and create a conducive environment for business growth in both countries.
President Ramaphosa said: “Today, we agreed on the full operationalisation of the Council. This will support a conducive environment for improved trade and investment. Through the Council, we hope to ensure the efficient resolution of trade- and investment-related challenges.”
He acknowledged the strategic importance of both nations in their respective regions and the need to diversify trade relations to move beyond oil and gas dependency.
Ramaphosa added: “South Africa runs a large trade deficit with Nigeria, mainly due to oil and gas imports. We need to diversify our trade to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.
“We are greatly encouraged by the presence of South African companies in Nigeria, just as we welcome Nigerian companies in South Africa.
“We do recognise that challenges still exist within our respective operating environments that limit the expansion of investment and sometimes impact on the operations of companies.”
President Bola Tinubu has left South Africa after co-chairing the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The session aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations, focusing on economic, security, and cultural collaboration.
The ongoing dialogue highlights the importance of the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, with both leaders exploring new areas of cooperation to address shared challenges and promote mutual growth.
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in South Africa for the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The deliberations are said to cut across eight working groups, including political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, the social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.
This was disclosed in a video shared by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, on Tuesday, December 3.
The caption reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives in South Africa for the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The BNC deliberations will be across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest. These include political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.”
Nigeria and South Africa yesterday resolved to strengthen their strategic partnership, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector.
The commitment was reiterated by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) ministerial session in Cape Town.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would present a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration with South Africa on the certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in the field.
The meeting co-chaired by her and Lamola was a precursor to today’s presidential Bi-National Commission (BNC) where President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa will jointly lead the discussion
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: ‘’I must stress that Nigeria is prepared to explore new vistas of cooperation with the Republic of South Africa in various fields.
‘’Apart from exploring opportunities in the co-financing of infrastructural projects capable of benefiting our two economies, we are seeking collaboration with South Africa in capacity development in the area of certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in that field.
‘’To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for the consideration of South Africa.
‘’We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.’’
The ministerial session will agree on the minutes from the working groups on the thematic areas and a draft communique to be adopted at the presidential level BNC.
The key areas under discussion include trade and investment, political consultations, consular and migration matters, defence and security cooperation, and collaboration in banking, energy, manufacturing, and the social sector.
Bianca-Ojukwu urged the delegates to the meeting to maintain a high spirit until the end of the process while underscoring the strategic nature of Nigeria-South Africa bilateral relations and a shared belief in their common destiny as leading economies on the continent.
‘’The BNC owes a lot of promises for the future off Nigeria, South Africa relations and we have got many more miles to go. Let us therefore approach it with zest and faith.
‘’Together, we shall win for our respective countries and for Africa . I look forward to working alongside my co-chair, Honorable Lamola to make today’s proceedings and that of our principals a resounding success,’’ she said.
Nigeria’s delegation to the ministerial meeting includes Ministers of State, Defence, Women Affairs, Industry Trade and Investments, Agriculture and Food Security, Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, alongside the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.
They were joined by their South African counterparts and senior government officials from both nations.
This year’s Bi-National Commission marks the 25th anniversary of the framework established to strengthen ties between Africa’s two leading economies.
Lamola emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have existed for 30 years, following decades of Nigeria’s relentless support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
‘’This is a gesture we will always cherish,’’ he said.
The minister called for the expansion of trade relations within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to reflect the potential for growth.
‘’Whilst we have made progress in achieving our objectives, it is also apparent that we need work even more to realize our goals to the mutual benefit of both our nations, one of the overriding imperatives of our bilateral relations is the need to increase our investment and trade relations to higher levels.
‘’The relatively large size of our economy logically dictates that our economic collaboration should be yielding much bigger results to galvanize economic cooperation and to build upon the already established sectors that both our investors have in our markets.
‘’The identification of bankable projects, particularly in infrastructure development, is one of the key priorities we should jointly pursue,’’ he said.
Lamola acknowledged the historical responsibility of both nations to promote peace and dialogue globally, expressing concern over regional conflicts and the need for reform of international institutions like the United Nations.
On South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency in 2025, the minister assured that it will serve as an avenue to project African developmental priorities.
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said the countries have exchanged an MoU on Consular and Migration Matters, which should be finalized by June 2025.
She said the proposed MOU seeks to address enhanced cooperation on migration, facilitation of visa processes, and the dignified handling of nationals from both nations facing deportation.
In a significant move to strengthen its position on the global stage, Nigeria has sought South Africa’s backing for its bid to join the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
This request was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the Ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the Group of 20, a club including the world’s wealthiest nations on December 1. The expanded BRICS, of which South Africa is also a member, boasts of being the engine of global economic growth in recent years, accounting for about 37 per cent of the world’s GDP.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, the Minister urged South Africa to lend its support in accelerating the peace process in Sudan.
She said President Bola Tinubu, who is a member of the ad-hoc mediation committee established by the African Union, has prioritized resolving the crisis to foster peace and stability in the region.
‘‘We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated.
‘‘We can hope that with peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all spheres,’’ she said.
The Minister lauded the officials of both countries for working hard to present the draft communique and facilitate amendments and submissions raised at the ministerial session of the BNC.
The draft communiqué and agreed minutes will be presented to President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential BNC session on Tuesday in Cape Town.
In his response, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, affirmed that South Africa would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency and ‘noted Nigeria’s requests.”
“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” he said.
Lamola, who co-chaired the BNC session, emphasized the mutual resolve to deepen dynamic and vibrant bilateral relations.
‘‘Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to continue working together and more closely so that their conditions and prospects are improved and the quality of life enhanced,’’ he said.
Dr. Lamola highlighted priority areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security.
He stressed the importance of expediting the finalization and implementation of outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.
The ministerial meeting sets the stage for the high-level engagement between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, where key agreements will be signed and initiatives to strengthen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa unveiled.
Nigeria and South Africa are poised to strengthen their strategic partnership, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector.
This commitment was reiterated by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) ministerial session in Cape Town.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria will present a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration with South on the certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in the field.
The meeting co-chaired by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola is a precursor to Tuesday’s presidential BNC where President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa will jointly lead a discussion.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: ”I must stress that Nigeria is prepared to explore new vistas of cooperation with the Republic of South Africa in various fields.
”Apart from exploring opportunities in the co-financing of infrastructural projects capable of benefiting our two economies, we are seeking collaboration with South Africa in capacity development in the area of certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in that field.
”To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for the consideration of South Africa.
”We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.’’
The ministerial session will agree on the minutes from the working groups on the thematic areas and a draft communique to be adopted at the presidential level BNC.
The key areas under discussion include trade and investment, political consultations, consular and migration matters, defence and security cooperation, and collaboration in banking, energy, manufacturing, and the social sector.
Bianca-Ojukwu urged the delegates to the meeting to maintain a high spirit until the end of the process while underscoring the strategic nature of Nigeria-South Africa bilateral relations and a shared belief in their common destiny as leading economies on the continent.
”The BNC owes a lot of promises for the future of Nigeria, South Africa relations and we have got many more miles to go. Let us therefore approach it with zest and faith.
”Together, we shall win for our respective countries and Africa. I look forward to working alongside my co-chair, Honorable Lamola to make today’s proceedings and that of our principals a resounding success,’’ she said.
Nigeria’s delegation to the ministerial meeting includes Ministers of State, Defence, Women Affairs, Industry Trade and Investments, Agriculture and Food Security, Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, alongside the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.
They were joined by their South African counterparts and senior government officials from both nations.
This year’s Bi-National Commission marks the 25th anniversary of the framework established to strengthen ties between Africa’s two leading economies.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation emphasized the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have existed for 30 years, following decades of Nigeria’s relentless support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
”This is a gesture we will always cherish,” he said.
The minister called for the expansion of trade relations within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to reflect the potential for growth.
”Whilst we have made progress in achieving our objectives, it is also apparent that we need to work even more to realise our goals to the mutual benefit of both our nations, one of the overriding imperatives of our bilateral relations is the need to increase our investment and trade relations to higher levels.
”The relatively large size of our economy logically dictates that our economic collaboration should be yielding much bigger results to galvanize economic cooperation and to build upon the already established sectors that both our investors have in our markets.
”The identification of bankable projects, particularly in infrastructure development, is one of the key priorities we should jointly pursue,” he said.
Lamola acknowledged the historical responsibility of both nations to promote peace and dialogue globally, expressing concern over regional conflicts and the need for reform of international institutions like the United Nations.
On South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency in 2025, the minister assured that it will serve as an avenue to project African developmental priorities.
Speaking to reporters, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, said the countries have exchanged a MoU on Consular and Migration Matters, which should be finalized by June 2025.
According to her, the proposed MOU seeks to address enhanced cooperation on migration, facilitation of visa processes, and the dignified handling of nationals from both nations facing deportation.
Jordaan, who led South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, denied the charges in a Johannesburg court.
“The allegations are that between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organisation’s resources for his personal gain,” a police statement said.
He was accused of hiring a private security company for his own protection and a public relations company without authorisation from the SAFA board, the statement added.
Jordaan, 73, is reported to have hired the public relations firm after his reputation took a knock when a South African singer and former lawmaker alleged in 2017 that he had sexually assaulted her 25 years previously. He denied the allegations.
He was arrested “following an intensive investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Johannesburg into allegations of R1.3 million fraud and theft,” police said.
Jordaan has been SAFA president since 2013 and was elected for a third time in 2022.
He was arrested with SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and businessman Trevor Neethling, head of the communications company cited in the charges, who also denied the accusations.
