Kigali: Nigeria’s Female YellowGreens ended their 2026 Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament campaign on a high. They defeated Brazil Women by two wickets to claim the bronze medal in Kigali on Saturday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the match was played at the Gahanga Cricket Oval, where Nigeria showed resilience. Nigeria bounced back from difficult results before the third-place playoff with a determined performance. After winning the toss, Nigeria opted to field and restricted Brazil to 85 all out.
The YellowGreens produced disciplined bowling before chasing 87 for eight in 19.2 overs. The victory came with four balls remaining, securing third place for the Nigerian side. Player of the Match, Christabel Chukwuonye, led the bowling attack with three wickets for 13 runs. She also delivered a maiden over, while Oseyande Omonkhobho, Shola Adekunle, and Rachael Samson claimed two wickets each. Captain Favour Eseigbe added a wicket as Nigeria kept Brazil under pressure throughout the innings.
Nigeria’s chase was challenging as Brazilian bowlers took regular wickets and kept the contest alive. Adekunle’s 26 runs steadied the innings, while Eseigbe remained unbeaten on 19 to seal the victory. Speaking after the match, Eseigbe described the win as the team’s final chance for reward, emphasizing the momentum they had gained despite previous losses.
Eseigbe highlighted the collective teamwork that led to the bronze medal. She praised Chukwuonye for consistently delivering from the opening match to the final game. Eseigbe also expressed gratitude to supporters who stood by the team throughout the tournament, acknowledging their unwavering support.
Chukwuonye credited her teammates for helping her overcome pressure and injuries, noting their motivation as a key factor in her performance. She revealed that faith played a significant role in maintaining her focus during challenging moments, allowing her to perform at her best.
The tournament provided significant lessons for the team, with Chukwuonye emphasizing the positives they will carry forward. The bronze medal highlights the steady growth of Nigerian women’s cricket, demonstrating the Female YellowGreens’ resilience and competitiveness on the international stage.