Nigeria begins her world cup qualification with a resounding victory against West Africa rivals Sierra Leone with a 5 wickets victory.
Sierra Leone won the toss and elected to bat first. Opening bowling pair for Nigeria Abdulquadri Taiwo and Efosa Joy bowled decently with the latter getting the 1st wicket in the 4th over and a maiden leaving Sierra Leone on 14 runs. Sierra Leone ended the 1st power play over on 27 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Sierra Leone eventually finished for 102 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs.
Abdulquadri Taiwo and Efosa Joy got 2 wickets each while Etim Blessing, Samson Rachael and George Chinyenum all got 1 wicket each.
Kamara Aminata of Sierra Leone scored 28 runs as the best bating figure Sierra Leone.
In the second innings, Nigeria started brightly with the pair of Esther Sandy and Abdulquadri Kehide getting to 21 runs before losing the 1st wicket. Salome Sunday was unlucky and was dismissed almost immediately. Nigeria finished the power play over with 34 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.
Esther Sandy, Blessing Etim and Omoye Asika controlled the game from thereon to ensure Nigeria sat firmly on 65 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 10 overs.
Nigeria eventually chased down the required score to record 103 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 16 overs.
Blessing Etim top scored with 27 runs strongly supported by Esther Sandy and Omonye Asika with 17 runs each. Abdulquadri Kehinde scored 11 runs to round up a very comfortable victory for Nigeria.
Blessing Etim was named Player of the match
Beautiful Scenes and roars of excitement in Gaborone as Lucky Piety made her debut for the country becoming the youngest female player to wear the National colors and just Age 14. She eventually finished with 11 runs off 9 balls Not Out.
Nigeria won by 5 wickets.