Kehinde Amusa Shines as Nigeria Defeats Sierra Leone in Kwibuka…

Kehinde Amusa shone on her debut as Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone by 36 runs in the 2025 Kwibuka T20i tournament. Nigeria scored 104 runs, with Amusa contributing 23 runs and taking two wickets. Emma Kamara of Sierra Leone fought back with 40 runs, but the team only managed 68 runs in response. Nigeria aims for more victories as they prepare for their next match against Malawi, currently standing fifth in the tournament table.

In a noteworthy performance at the 2025 Kwibuka T20i tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, Kehinde Amusa made a significant impact on her debut match with Nigeria’s senior women’s cricket team. On Sunday, Nigeria achieved a solid 36-run victory over Sierra Leone, with Amusa playing a key role, scoring 23 runs off 28 balls and taking two wickets for just seven runs across four overs.

Without their captain, Favour Eseigbe, the team was led by Lillian Udeh, who won the toss and opted to bat first. This decision proved beneficial as the Female Yellow Greens secured their second consecutive win in the series. Amusa, an 18-year-old prospect, paired up with Esther Sandy for the opening, enduring through to the twelfth over despite a shaky beginning marked by several wickets falling.

In addition to Amusa’s contributions, Sandy managed to score 18 runs before her dismissal in the fifth over, alongside Christabel Chukwuonye who scored 20 runs off 28 balls. However, Nigeria struggled to hold their innings together, wrapping up at 104 runs all out in 19.4 overs.

During the second innings, Sierra Leone’s Emma Kamara emerged as a challenge for Nigerian bowlers, crafting a resilient innings of 40 runs from 58 balls not out. Yet, the Sierra Leone team could only muster 68 runs for all ten wickets within their allotted 20 overs, falling short of the target of 105 runs.

This victory marks Nigeria’s third win in the tournament, leaving them fifth in the standings with six points as they look ahead to their next game against Malawi on Tuesday. The top four teams, which qualify for the semi-finals, are currently Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, with the Female Yellow Greens standing just outside these spots primarily due to their net run rate.

The Kwibuka T20i Tournament has been a fixture since 2014, with Kenya holding the record for the most titles at four. The host nation, Rwanda, has claimed the title once, while Uganda emerged victorious in the 2024 edition, with Zimbabwe finishing as the runners-up.

Kehinde Amusa’s impressive performance has ignited hope for Nigeria’s cricket ambitions at the Kwibuka T20i tournament. With three wins under their belt and upcoming challenges, Nigeria aims to elevate their standings in this ongoing competition. As they prepare for their match against Malawi, the Female Yellow Greens will seek a semi-final spot amidst tough competition. Overall, the tournament continues to showcase emerging talents and competitive spirit in women’s cricket.

Original Source: punchng.com