Nigeria’s Female YellowGreens fought bravely but lost by 11 runs to Rwanda Women at the Kwibuka T20 Tournament 2026.
The match was played at the Gahanga Cricket Oval in Kigali, where Nigeria showed resilience despite the defeat.
Esther Sandy and Christabel Chukwuonye delivered standout performances, giving Nigeria hope ahead of their next fixture.
Nigeria won the toss and chose to field, but Rwanda scored 131 for eight in 20 overs.
The Nigerian bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings with disciplined bowling.
Chukwuonye was the star, taking four wickets for 18 runs in an excellent spell.
Her bowling disrupted Rwanda’s batting order and prevented a bigger total.
Captain Favour Eseigbe also impressed, taking two wickets, while Lilian Ude claimed one wicket with economical figures of 1 for 13 in four overs.
Chasing 132, Nigeria started strongly with opener Sandy, who scored 63 off 53 balls.
Sandy hit nine boundaries and kept Nigeria’s hopes alive with a steady batting display.
Her performance underscored her importance to the team throughout the tournament.
Chukwuonye contributed 15 runs in the chase, helping Nigeria stay competitive until the final overs.
However, Rwanda’s bowlers held their nerve and defended their total successfully. Murekatete Belyse led the attack with 3 for 21.
Nigeria finished on 120 for nine, falling 11 runs short.
Despite the loss, the team showed determination and quality against the hosts.
The result leaves Nigeria fourth in the standings after the league phase. They will now face Brazil in the third-place playoff.
It will be the third meeting between the teams in this year’s tournament. Nigeria aims to end Kwibuka 2026 on a winning note.
