The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated the Nigeria U-19 Cricket Team for their sensational two-run victory over New Zealand at the ICC Women’s U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia.
The Nigeria Junior Female Yellow Greens, as the Nigerian U-19 team is fondly called, stunned the cricketing world with the remarkable upset on Monday, defeating one of the tournament’s heavyweights in a match delayed for two hours due to heavy rainfall.
Describing the victory as monumental, Olopade said, “This win will go down in history as one of the biggest upsets in sports. I am very excited for our Under-19 women’s cricket team. This particular win is worthy of celebration for so many reasons. The girls displayed resilience, embodying the true Nigerian spirit and patriotism to upset cricket giants like New Zealand.”
Also Read: U-19 Cricket W/Cup: Nigeria Stun New Zealand To Claim Historic Win
Olopade credited the achievement to the efforts of the Nigeria Cricket Federation under its President, Uyi Akpata, and assured continued support from the NSC, led by Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“This result is a testament to the work being done to elevate the standard of cricket in Nigeria. The NSC will remain very supportive of the federation. I urge the girls not to rest on their laurels after defeating New Zealand but to use this as a stepping stone for greater achievements,” the former Ogun State sports commissioner stressed.
Olopade also expressed confidence in the team’s potential to achieve even greater success, saying, “I am very sure our girls can go all the way and shock the entire cricket world after their display against New Zealand. Once again, congratulations to the team.”
The historic win puts the Nigerian girls at the top of Group C standings at the ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup 2025.
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
