Nigeria Women delivered a commanding and clinical performance against Ghana Women in the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, scripting a dominant victory built on disciplined batting and a ruthless bowling display. The match began with Nigeria looking to set the tone early, and despite a slight hiccup at the top, they managed to construct a strong innings through steady partnerships and timely acceleration.
The opening pair started cautiously before the first breakthrough arrived at 50, when Lucky Piety was dismissed for a brisk 23 off 17 balls, striking 2 fours and a six. Her early intent ensured Nigeria had momentum in the powerplay. Victory Igbinedion, who looked to anchor the innings, contributed 18 off 27 balls before retiring hurt at 76, which slightly slowed the flow. However, Muhibat Amusa stepped in to rebuild, crafting a composed 36 off 39 deliveries. She stitched a crucial partnership with Christabel Chukwuonye, who played a standout knock.
Chukwuonye remained unbeaten on 43 off just 27 balls, her innings laced with 4 boundaries and a six, striking at an impressive 159.25. Alongside her, the middle-order contributions ensured Nigeria didn’t lose direction. Salome Sunday added a quick 6, while Esther Sandy chipped in with 6 off 5 balls. The late acceleration came through Chukwuonye’s aggressive strokeplay, guiding Nigeria to a competitive 159/4 in 20 overs, with extras contributing a significant 27 runs.
Ghana’s bowling effort had mixed moments. Kate Awuah and Grace Essoun picked up a wicket each while conceding 33 and 39 runs respectively in their 4 overs. Grace Quaicoe also impressed with figures of 1/13 in 3 overs, maintaining tight control. Rebecca Adotei stood out economically, conceding just 16 runs in her 4 overs, though without a wicket. Esther Bakiweyem and Rashidatu Salia chipped in with one and no wickets respectively, but Ghana struggled overall to contain Nigeria’s scoring rate of 7.95.
Chasing a challenging target of 160, Ghana Women’s innings never truly gained momentum. The collapse began almost immediately, with Rashidatu Salia dismissed for a duck at just 1 run on the board. Kate Awuah followed soon after for 1, and Abigail Amuzu’s 7 off 23 balls couldn’t stabilize the innings. By the end of the powerplay, Ghana were already in deep trouble.
The wickets kept tumbling in clusters, with Jacqueline Kokam managing just 5 runs before departing, and Elizabeth Annor dismissed for a duck. Rebecca Adotei’s brief stay ended in a run-out for 1, further compounding Ghana’s woes. The middle and lower order failed to resist Nigeria’s relentless bowling attack, as Grace Quaicoe, Miriam Eshun, Grace Essoun, and Esther Bakiweyem all fell cheaply. Ghana were eventually bundled out for just 23 runs in 10.4 overs, marking a dramatic collapse.
Nigeria’s bowlers were exceptional across the board. Usen Peace led the charge with a brilliant spell of 3/9 in 4 overs, maintaining an economy of just 2.25. Henrietta Mbam was equally devastating, claiming 3 wickets for 7 runs in just 1.4 overs, dismantling the lower order. Favour Effiong added 2/2 in 2 overs, showcasing incredible control, while Muhibat Amusa also chipped in with a wicket.
This comprehensive 136-run victory highlighted Nigeria Women’s dominance in both departments, making it one of the most emphatic wins of the tournament.
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