Women's T20i Tournament Elevates Nigeria's Cricket Status

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, says the Women’s T20i Invitational Tournament hosted by the country is helping to position Nigeria as a destination for international women’s cricket in Africa, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

After a one-year break, the tournament returns for its fifth edition at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, from March 18 to 29.

The prestigious five-nation tournament will feature host nation Nigeria, alongside Ghana, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and South Africa U-19 Women, who will be making their first-ever appearance in the competition.

Since its inception as a bilateral series between Nigeria and Rwanda, the tournament has grown significantly in global recognition, competitive quality, and developmental impact, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading hub for women’s cricket in Africa.

Akpata said the tournament is now firmly established as West Africa’s premier women’s international cricket event, serving as a high-performance platform for emerging and elite female cricketers across the continent while strengthening international cricket pathways.

“The Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20i represents our unwavering commitment to advancing women’s cricket in Nigeria and across Africa. Welcoming five competitive teams, including South Africa U-19 for the first time, highlights the progress we are making in positioning Nigeria as a destination for international women’s cricket,” Akpata said.

Participating teams will arrive in Lagos on March 18, with matches commencing shortly after and running throughout the tournament window before concluding with the final fixtures and official departures on March 29, 2026.

Beyond the on-field action, the tournament will also feature youth cricket clinics and stakeholder engagement activities designed to strengthen grassroots participation and expand the commercial ecosystem of cricket in Nigeria.

The Female Yellow Greens won the tournament for the first time in 2023 before surrendering the title to Tanzania in 2024, while Rwanda last won it in 2022.

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