Batting for Glory: Players Hail Nigeria Women’s T20i Invitational as Gateway to Growth

Batting for Glory: Players Hail Nigeria Women’s T20i Invitational as Gateway to Growth

By Ade Oluwa, Lagos

Excitement is building among participating athletes at the ongoing fifth edition of the Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20i tournamentscribing the competition as a vital avenue for skill development, exposure, and international experience.

The event, tagged the Patricia Kambarami Cup, is organised in memory of the late ICC Africa Regional Development Manager and Titans Chief Operating Officer, whose contributions to cricket development across the continent remain widely recognised.

Speaking in separate interviews at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, players from different countries shared their impressions of the tournament, praising its organisation and competitive standard.

Captain of Nigeria’s women’s cricket team, Lucky Piety, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the competition, noting that it provides a strong platform for players and teams to improve.

According to her, the tournament has created room for learning and healthy competition among participating nations.

“It has been an exciting experience so far. Every team here is gaining something valuable, and for us, it’s also about enjoying the game while improving,” she said.

Piety reaffirmed Nigeria’s ambition to clinch the title, stressing that the team is determined to make the country proud.

“Our goal is clear — we want to win and give Nigerians another moment of joy, similar to what the U-19 team achieved,” she added.

But she noted that the tournament’s strong teams would make winning the trophy difficult.

“There are strong opponents here with the same ambition. We are approaching each match carefully and staying focused on our targets,” she said.

South Africa’s Filander Jae-Leigh also commended the tournament, describing it as both enjoyable and culturally enriching.

“It’s been a wonderful experience competing here in Nigeria. Beyond cricket, I’m enjoying the environment and learning about the culture,” she said.

She added that her team remains committed to executing its strategies effectively in pursuit of success.

“We’re concentrating on our game plan and aiming to finish strong in the competition,” she noted.

For Zimbabwe’s Bethei Zinyama, the tournament has offered a blend of fun and learning, highlighting the importance of international exposure.

“We’re enjoying ourselves and picking up new ideas from other teams. It’s a wonderful platform to grow,” she said.

Zinyama explained that her focus is on improving her performance and gaining wider recognition through participation.

The tournament, which kicked off on Friday, is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, March 29, at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, with teams battling for top honours in what has already proven to be a thrilling contest.