The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) on Thursday, released the final squad list that will represent the country in the Kwibuka Women’s International tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Female Yellow Greens are expected to depart Nigeria for Rwanda on Friday, June 9, as one of the five participants in the 9th edition of the Kwibuka tournament.
The Nigeria women’s cricket team, who were champions of the NCF Women’s T-20 international invitational tournament held in Lagos earlier this year, will be making their fourth appearance at the tournament in Kigali, and if their recent form is anything to go by, they, along with the hosts, Rwanda, are one of the favorites.
The invited list of players was cut down from the initial 18-man list invited to their camp in Edo State, where the Female Yellow Greens have been undergoing a series of training sessions over the last 21 days.
The final 14-man team includes team captain and ever-present Blessing Etim along with assistant captain Favour Esiegbe, who will be joined by regular faces like Salome Sunday, Lucky Piety, Agatha Uadiale, and Rachael Samson.
Likewise, the duo of Oseyande Omokhiobhio and Omonye Asika make their much-awaited return to the team after missing out on the Lagos tournament in March, while bowling sensation Lillian Ude, who put on a show at the T20 invitational tournament, will not be on the flight to Kigali due to academic responsibilities, as revealed by the NCF.
Nigeria will be up against stern competition from the East African nations of Uganda and Kenya, Botswana, and hosts Rwanda in the event that is slated for June 10–18, 2023.
FINAL LIST OF 14 PLAYERS FOR NIGERIA
1. Blessing Etim (Captain)
2. Favour Eseigbe (V.Captain)
3. Esther Sandy
4. Salome Sunday
5. Lucky Piety
6. Agatha Obulor
7. Omonye Asika
8. Oseyande Omonkhobhio
9. Adekunle Adeshola
10. Abigail Igbobie
11. Sarah Etim
12. Rukayat Abdulrasaq
13. Racheal Samson
14. Peculier Agboya
