By Sharon Akhigbe Ekhiwere
With just weeks to the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Division One Qualifiers in Tanzania, Nigeria’s U-19 female cricket team, the Junior Yellow Greens, has stepped up preparations at the High Performance Centre, Edo Boys High School, Adolor, Benin City.
Platinum News reporter, Sharon Akhigbe Ekhiwere, visited the team’s training camp on Saturday, July 24, 2026, and spoke with the Head Coach, Sarah Bhakita, after a training session.
Coach Bhakita said the team has been in intensive camp for the past three weeks as they prepare for the qualifiers, which begin on August 28 in Tanzania.
According to her, the team is made up of experienced national team players and younger players who are getting their first taste of international cricket.
“We have been preparing for the past three weeks. It has been intense because we know what is ahead of us,” she said.
“The team has some experienced players who played in the last World Cup qualifiers. We also have young players who have never played on the international stage. Our job is to help them bond together so the experienced players can inspire the younger ones.”
Bhakita revealed that eight players in camp are members of Nigeria’s senior national team. She believes their experience will be important in helping the team achieve its goal.
The coach said one of the major areas of focus has been improving the team’s batting.
“We are working very hard on our batting because we want to have a strong batting unit. We are already confident in our bowling and fielding because our players are very good in those areas. If we can score good runs, our bowling and fielding can help us defend any total,” she explained.
There are currently 18 players in camp, although some are away to complete documentation and are expected back next week. The squad will later be reduced to 14 or 15 players before the team travels for the tournament.
Speaking on Nigeria’s chances, Bhakita admitted that the qualifiers will be difficult because only one team will earn a place at the World Cup.
“In Division One, there is only one ticket. That means only one country will qualify, so we cannot take any team for granted,” she said.
She identified Zimbabwe as one of the strongest teams in the competition because of their experience and the quality of players in their squad.
“Zimbabwe looks like the strongest team. They have players who are already part of their senior national team, so they will not be easy to beat. We have to study every team well and take every opportunity that comes our way.”
Despite the challenge ahead, the coach remains confident that Nigeria has what it takes to qualify.
“I believe this team has enough quality to get the ticket. The team that prepares well and plays without fear is the team that succeeds. That is why we are also working on the players’ mindset. If we follow our plans and express ourselves on the field, I believe we will qualify for the World Cup.”
With preparations entering the final stage, the Junior Yellow Greens will hope their hard work in Benin City pays off when they compete for the only World Cup ticket in Tanzania.