By Oluwamayowa Fakande
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), is brimming with confidence ahead of the U-19 Women’s World Cup, with its Public Relations Officer, Musa Ehizoje, asserting that the team’s tour of India will significantly impact their performance in Malaysia.
Nigeria clinched the sole African qualification spot in Rwanda last September, earning a place in the global tournament set for January 18 to February 2.
Speaking on Thursday, Ehizoje emphasized that the India tour was designed to sharpen the team’s competitive edge.
“After securing qualification, the players trained in high-performance facilities in Edo and Lagos, but the Federation felt more was needed.
“We sent them to Omtex ICWC Cricket Institute in India, which boasts one of the best cricket training facilities in the country.
“In the past five days, they have played competitive matches against Omtex teams, undergone extensive training, and even participated in yoga sessions to enhance their physical and mental resilience.
“The experience will undoubtedly reflect in their World Cup campaign,” he said.
The team is set to depart India for Malaysia on Sunday, where they will compete in Group C, opening against Samoa on January 18 before facing New Zealand on January 20 and South Africa on January 22.
Nigeria and South Africa will represent Africa in the 16-nation tournament, with South Africa gaining automatic qualification based on rankings.
Meanwhile, National Sports Commission (NSC), Director General, Bukola Olopade, assured that the commission is providing logistical, technical, and financial support to ensure a strong Nigerian performance on the world stage.
