Nigeria Women produced a dominant all-round performance to secure a comprehensive victory over Ghana Women in the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament. A combination of disciplined batting and incisive bowling ensured a one-sided contest, as Nigeria set the tone early and maintained control throughout the match.
Nigeria’s innings began cautiously before momentum picked up following a steady opening partnership. The first breakthrough came at 50, when Lucky Piety departed after scoring a brisk 23 from 17 balls, including two fours and a six. Her early aggression provided impetus during the powerplay. Victory Igbinedion contributed 18 from 27 deliveries while anchoring the innings but retired hurt at 76, which briefly slowed the scoring rate.
Muhibat Amusa then played a key role in stabilising the innings with a composed 36 from 39 balls. She formed a vital partnership with Christabel Chukwuonye, who delivered a standout unbeaten knock. Chukwuonye remained not out on 43 from just 27 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 159.25. Support from the middle order ensured Nigeria maintained direction, with Salome Sunday adding 6 and Esther Sandy contributing 6 from five balls. Chukwuonye’s late acceleration helped Nigeria finish strongly at 159 for 4 in 20 overs, with extras adding 27 runs.
Ghana’s bowling performance showed glimpses of control but lacked consistency. Kate Awuah and Grace Essoun picked up a wicket each, conceding 33 and 39 runs respectively in their four-over spells. Grace Quaicoe impressed with figures of 1 for 13 from three overs, while Rebecca Adotei delivered an economical spell, conceding 16 runs in four overs without success. Esther Bakiweyem and Rashidatu Salia also contributed, though Ghana struggled overall to contain Nigeria’s run rate of 7.95.
In pursuit of 160, Ghana’s reply never gathered momentum. Rashidatu Salia was dismissed without scoring with only one run on the board, and Kate Awuah soon followed for 1. Abigail Amuzu’s 7 from 23 balls failed to provide stability as early wickets left Ghana under pressure by the end of the powerplay.
The collapse intensified as Jacqueline Kokam managed just 5 before departing, while Elizabeth Annor was dismissed for a duck. Rebecca Adotei was run out for 1, and the rest of the batting line-up offered little resistance. Grace Quaicoe, Miriam Eshun, Grace Essoun and Esther Bakiweyem all fell cheaply as Ghana were eventually bowled out for 23 in 10.4 overs.
Nigeria’s bowling unit was outstanding, led by Peace Usen, who delivered figures of 3 for 9 in four overs at an economy rate of 2.25. Henrietta Mbam was equally effective, claiming 3 wickets for 7 runs in just 1.4 overs to dismantle the lower order. Favour Effiong returned figures of 2 for 2 in two overs, while Amusa also chipped in with a wicket.
The emphatic 136-run triumph underlined Nigeria Women’s dominance with both bat and ball, marking one of the most decisive victories of the tournament.
