Kwibuka 2023: A loss to Uganda has only toughened us - Nigeria female cricket team

Kwibuka 2023: A loss to Uganda has only toughened us - Nigeria female cricket team

By Akanimo Kufre

After a stainless three consecutive victories in Kigali genocide memorial tournament, Nigerian female cricket team had their first loss to top ranked Ugandan cricket team on Monday. 

Despite the loss, the West African girls were in high spirits having defeated higher ranked Women's T20 cricket countries in Africa during 2023 Kwibuka Women's T20.

According to ICC May 2023, Kenya is seated 23rd, Rwanda 26th and Botswana 41st while Nigeria is ranked 29th global ranking by International Cricket Council, (ICC).

Uganda who had a 'hard fought' victory against Nigeria is ranked 19h in T20 woman cricket globally. Uganda on Monday won the toss and choose to field first. Nigerian girls again had a bad start as openers Asika Omonye and Blessing Etim could not contend Ugandan Everlyne Anyipo's bowling power.

Nigeria's opening batters were dismissed under 15 minutes and 4 runs before Esther Sandy came in to revived the lost excitement. Sandy batted 52 runs off 39 balls before she incurred the wrath of Ugandan bowler, Stephanie Namphiina, who became the eventual winner of Player of the Match award.

Nigerian girls secured only 100 runs in 20 overs Esther Sandy, Lucky Piety, Favour Eseige and Salome Sunday. 

In second inning, Kenya brought the tally to 101 runs to win Nigeria by 5 wickets. Staphenie Namphiina, Immacuteta Nakisuyi and Awino Kevin all gave their best to Kenya to move to the apex of the tournament's table after 3 games.

After the tension soaked game captain of the Nigeria, Blessing Etim regretted the loss and promised to take the positives from the Ugandan clash.

"We gave Uganda too much chance and allowed them to take singles as often as possible. Going forward in our next match we will cut down those singles. We know Uganda is a good team that is ranked ahead of Nigeria. It was a good fight from the players and i am happy not because I lost . I am happy because of the fight we gave to them, it was a real battle. From the coaching crew down to our players they all did excellently well.

"I am assuring Nigerians that the next leg of encounter is going to be a tough battle . Not just with Uganda but all the teams that we have played with in this round of the tournament. They will face a harder Nigerian side in the next round. I want to really appreciate my team, that have climbed up the ladder from 70 percent to 100 plus. I am so proud of the players and the girls are excited the momentum is high. We are pushing with this momentum to play the second round."

Meanwhile, Nigeria's Esther Sandy attributed her success on Monday to hard work and God's wisdom.

"I just went into the game to express myself and God helped me to execute those runs. 

"We have all trained so hard that any of my teammates can form another rewarding partnership for me to play half century score. "

The Nigerian girls said they are always ready to put a good total on the scoreboard.