Nigeria started their campaign in the 3rd NCF Women’s T20i Invitational at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos with a six wicket win over Sierra Leone, while defending champion Rwanda also beat Ghana by 117 runs.
Nigeria won the toss and elected to field, sending the Sierra Leonean side to bat first, scoring 69/5 in 19 overs.
Looked like an easy chase for Nigeria, but the hosts were put under pressure in the power play, losing four wickets in the process.
The team has to rely on the partnership of Peity Lucky and Agatha Uadiale to see the team to a six wickets victory, after scoring 67 runs for four wickets in 14.1 overs.
At the end of the game, captain of the Nigerian team, Blessing Etim, lauded the team for the efforts but assured that they would improve in their subsequent matches.
“Sierra Leone is always a tough side but I know that my team is very capable of facing any opposition here.
“Although, we are not very satisfied with our efforts today, we will go back and work on our lapses and come stronger in our next game against Cameroon,” Etim said.
Fatumata Parkinson, captain of the Sierra Leone team said the team was not satisfied with the number of runs on board for the team but will improve as the tournament progresses.
Player of the Match is Piety Lucky of Nigeria after scoring 22 runs off 24 balls not out for the side.
Nigeria’s coach, Leke Oyede said that he is sure that the team would improve as the tournament progresses.
“Yes, there were hitches here and there in the opening match but the girls delivered. I believe that the players will get better as the game progresses.”