Nigeria’s Female YellowGreens on Wednesday recorded their first victory at the 2026 Kwibuka T20 Tournament, defeating Malawi Women by 52 runs in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Group stage encounter was played at the Gahanga 2 Cricket Oval.
After being put in to bat by Malawi, Nigeria posted 98 for eight in their allotted 20 overs before dismissing their opponents for 46.
The comprehensive victory provided a timely boost for the YellowGreens after a challenging start to their campaign at the tournament.
Nigeria’s innings was anchored by Jessica Bieni, who remained unbeaten on 25 runs to guide the side through difficult phases.
Sarah Etim added 14 runs, while captain Favour Eseigbe and Christabel Chukwuonye contributed 11 runs apiece.
The contributions helped Nigeria recover from early setbacks and compile a competitive total on a pitch that offered assistance to bowlers.
Malawi’s Lucky Malino delivered an impressive spell, claiming four wickets and keeping the Nigerian batters under pressure throughout the innings.
In spite of Malino’s efforts, Nigeria’s lower order displayed resilience and determination to ensure the team approached a three-figure total.
Chasing 99 for victory, Malawi struggled against a disciplined Nigerian bowling attack that maintained pressure from the opening over.
The Malawian batting line-up never settled, losing wickets regularly as Nigeria tightened its grip on the contest.
Nigeria eventually bowled out Malawi for 46 in just 10.3 overs to complete an emphatic victory.
Shola Adekunle emerged as the star performer with the ball and was named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution.
Adekunle finished with excellent figures of three wickets for 15 runs to spearhead Nigeria’s bowling effort.
Henrietta Mbam provided strong support, claiming two wickets for 16 runs as Malawi’s innings unravelled rapidly.
Captain Eseigbe also played a key role with the ball, taking two wickets in three deliveries without conceding a run.
Her remarkable figures of two wickets for no runs helped bring the contest to a swift conclusion.
Speaking after the match, Eseigbe praised her players for remaining composed in spite of falling short of their intended batting target.
“Our plan was to go out there and score above 120, but credit must go to the Malawi bowlers because they really bowled well and troubled our batters.
“However, we had a Plan B. We never give up until the game is over,” she said.
Eseigbe said the team remained patient when batting conditions became difficult and focused on rotating the strike.
“Even when batting became difficult, we stayed patient, used our legs, rotated the strike and found ways to keep the scoreboard moving.
“Regardless of what total we ended up with, we were prepared to defend it,” she said.
The skipper described the team’s mentality as one of the biggest positives to emerge from the victory.
“One of the biggest positives from this match is the team’s mindset.
“We don’t relent when things get hard; we keep searching for solutions because sometimes a breakthrough comes when you least expect it,” she said.
Eseigbe also commended her teammates and coaching crew for their belief and commitment throughout the contest.
“I want to give credit to my teammates and coaching staff. The coaches were incredibly supportive and always believed in us,” she said.
She revealed that the players were mentally prepared for a tough battle before the second innings began.
“Before the second innings even started, the players knew it was going to be a battle, and everyone was ready to fight for the team.
“That determination showed on the field, and thankfully we came out victorious,” Eseigbe added.
The victory strengthens Nigeria’s position in the tournament as the team seeks to build momentum in the coming matches.
The YellowGreens will return to action on Thursday when they face Brazil at the Gahanga A Oval in Kigali.
