Nigeria’s T20 Invitational Returns As Lagos Hosts Africa’s Premier Women’s Cricket Tourney

With just 13 days until the first ball is bowled on 20th March 2026, anticipation is mounting as the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) prepares to host the 5th edition of the Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20 International (WT20i). The prestigious tournament will take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, from 18th to 29th March 2026.

This year’s five-nation competition will feature host nation Nigeria, alongside Ghana, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and for the first time, the South Africa U19 Women’s team.

Zeal Ibe, Media Manager for the Nigeria Cricket Federation, stated that the tournament, now firmly established as West Africa’s premier women’s international cricket event, continues to provide a high-performance platform for both emerging and elite female cricketers across the continent, while simultaneously strengthening international cricket pathways. Since its inception, the tournament has significantly grown in global recognition, competitive quality, and developmental impact, solidifying Nigeria’s position as a leading hub for women’s cricket in Africa.

Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, commented: “The Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20i represents our unwavering commitment to advancing women’s cricket in Nigeria and across Africa. Welcoming five competitive teams, including South Africa U19 for the first time, highlights the progress we are making in positioning Nigeria as a destination for international women’s cricket.”

Participating teams are scheduled to arrive in Lagos on 18th March, with matches commencing shortly thereafter. The tournament will culminate with the final fixtures and official departures on 29th March 2026. All matches will be played at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, a venue renowned for hosting major domestic and international cricket events in Nigeria.

Beyond the on-field action, the tournament will also include youth cricket clinics and stakeholder engagement activities, aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and expanding the commercial ecosystem of cricket in Nigeria.

Further details regarding match schedules and tournament activities will be announced in the coming days as the countdown to the first ball on 20th March continues.