NCF 2026 Final

Nigeria defeated traditional rivals Rwanda in a low scoring match to win their third title in the fifth year of the NCF Invitational. Any match involving these two teams is generally a nail biting affair and they didn’t disappoint in Lagos this year.

Nigeria easily accounted for South Africa U19s in their semi final while Rwanda did likewise to Zimbabwe U19s. Ghana, the fifth team in the tournament failed to win a game and finished last.

Final

Lucky Piety won the toss for Nigeria and using the old adage, runs on the board in a final, chose to bat first. Rwanda took an early wicket before a steadying partnership between Esther Sandy and Muhibat Amusa which realised 39 runs. The skipper chipped in with 17 but a collapse ensued, culminating in a hat trick to Marie Bimenyimana from the final three deliveries of the innings, leaving the Female Yellow Greens with a modest total of 80.

On paper it ought to have been an easy chase, but nobody told the Nigerian bowlers and after all, nerves play a part in a final. Rwanda lost wicket along the way, but it was the skipper’s dismissal, runout, when the score was 60 that spoiled any chances of a Rawnda win, finishing with 71/9.

Usen Peace was the pick of the bowlers, but she was well supported by Piety and also economical support by Lillian Udeh (1-9) and
Adeshola Adekunle (1-13). Nigeria winners by just 9 runs.

Scores:

Nigeria 80 (Esther Sandy 26, Lucky Piety 17, Marie Bimenyimana 3-12, Rosette Shimwamana 2-7) defeated
Rwanda 71/9 (Marie Bimenyimana 15, Usen Peace 3-18, Lucky Piety 2-10) by 9 runs

POTM: Usen Peace