Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens will make their first appearance at the second edition of the ICC Women’s U-19 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place from January 18 to February 2, 2025. They are among four debutants, alongside Malaysia, Nepal, and Samoa, set to compete in the global event.
### Qualification and Grouping
The Nigerian team earned Africa’s sole qualification spot in September 2024, while Samoa secured their place through their first international exposure in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers.
The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups. Nigeria is placed in **Group C** alongside South Africa, New Zealand, and Samoa.
### Tournament Format
– **Group Stage**: Each team plays three group matches to determine the top 12 teams advancing to the Super 6 stage.
– **Super 6 Stage**: Teams are split into two groups, carrying forward points from the group stage and playing remaining opponents. The top two teams in each group proceed to the semi-finals.
– **Semi-Finals and Final**: Scheduled for January 31 and February 2, respectively.
Teams that finish bottom in their groups will play classification matches to determine standings from 13th to 16th.
### Preparations and Venues
The Sarah Bakhita-led Junior Female Yellow Greens are concluding their second training phase in Lagos before departing for a 10-day camp in India to fine-tune their preparations.
Matches will be played across four venues:
– **Group A**: Pandamaran’s Bayuemas Oval.
– **Group B**: Johor Cricket Academy Oval.
– **Group C**: UKM-YSD Cricket Oval, Bangi.
– **Group D**: Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.
### Key Contenders
Reigning champions India, along with 2023 finalists England, Australia, and New Zealand, are among the favorites to lift the trophy in this year’s edition.
This marks a significant milestone for Nigeria as the Junior Female Yellow Greens seek to make an impact on the global stage.
