Malaysia W’Cup game-changer for Nigeria cricket – Ude

Nigeria cricket player and super bowler, Lilian Ude, who inspired the Junior Female Yellow Greens’ win over Ireland at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia talks about her career and ambitions in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE

Congratulations on Nigeria’s impressive performance at the U-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia. How does it feel to have made history for Nigeria and West Africa?

I feel so happy that we made such remarkable history in Malaysia. We actually set the bar high for ourselves but I don’t think the world fancied our chance so much. Finishing third in our group and top 6 overall is something to be proud of. It’s indeed a big statement that Nigeria is a cricketing nation. It’s also amazing that the impact of what we have done extends to West Africa.

You had your moments in the last over against New Zealand and also with three wickets against Ireland. Were there any moments that stood out to you as particularly challenging or rewarding during the tournament?

Well, I think the match with New Zealand was particularly challenging in the sense that it was like a final game for us. We couldn’t play our first game against Samoa due to bad weather so we did not want to leave any room for failure. So the moment that was rewarding and refreshing was definitely when we won that match.

I think we all had our moments too and that is why we are a team. Every player in the team contributed so well to the team. I remember how (Lucky) Piety hit the first six for us, how Peace Lucky gave us our first wicket with our first-ever ball, how Kehinde Amusa took the last wicket against Ireland, how Peculiar Agboya and Christabel Chukwuonye steadied the runs against Ireland as well. Overall, it’s just teamwork and when we play and work as a team, things work in our favour.

You guys attracted a lot of attention back home. How do you think this performance will impact the popularity of cricket in Nigeria?

That is also refreshing. During our leisure in Malaysia, it was impossible to scroll through social media without seeing some posts about us and Nigerian cricket. I believe through this particular history that we have made, cricket has and will become more popular among Nigerians.

Does the team still feel bad we didn’t make the semi-finals?

Somehow, but not really. We feel bad that we did not make it to the semi-finals because it’s something that we would have achieved. It was so close, if not for the weather and all that, the aim became futile but regardless, we are still happy we made it this far irrespective of the fact that this is our first experience at the World Cup. If we had played those matches against Samoa and England too, it would have just been another opportunity for the world to see us again but I think we showed the stuff we are made of too against New Zealand and Ireland. The world should watch out for Nigeria.

How were you introduced to the game of cricket and what sparked your interest and passion for the sport?

I live near a cricket ground in my state, Ebonyi and that was my first attraction to it. I was just so interested in the game. This might sound funny but the food and snacks they always get for the players motivated me to start going for training. I was eventually introduced to the game by a coach (coach Chike Mbamalu). He helped bring out the passion for cricket in me. At first, my mom did not agree with the whole thing, but with the help of coach Victor Ome and Mr Patrick, I pulled through that phase and here I am, making my family and coaches proud on the global stage.

Can you walk us through your development as a player? What were some of the key challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

There was a period when I did not get my parents’ consent in the game because my mother felt that it would distract me from my studies. She was right by the way, my studies were kind of affected because I had to go to tournaments during exam periods and all that. So, because of that, I usually have to study extra in school. Right now, I’m so happy she realised that cricket was a nice sport.

Who have been some of the most influential people in your cricket career? Coaches, teammates, or mentors who have helped you grow as a player?

My family (my mum especially), teammates, my coaches and friends. More precisely, my state coach, coach Leke Oyede, coach Theophilus, our former captain and now assistant coach Blessing Etim, coach Sarah Bhakita and so many others.

Are there any particular matches, series, or tournaments that stand out to you as highlights of your time playing for Nigeria?

I actually have so many proud moments to talk about. From my first game as a cricket player to the World Cup in Malaysia. But to mention just a few, the qualifiers for the U-19 World Cup and the World Cup itself were a real test of character for me and my teammates. The quality of the matches we played showed how far we have come and the heights we can reach. I will not also forget the game against South Africa during the African Games in Ghana. It was a big learning curve for me as a person and I think it shaped the mentality of our team as well. Overall, at the African Games, I was awarded the best bowler with eight wickets. Also, the 2024 Kwibuka tournament in Rwanda was special. I remember I had the third all-time best bowling figures for an innings with six wickets for just seven runs in four overs.

How do you think your experiences playing for Nigeria have helped shape you into the player you are today?

In a lot of ways both physically and emotionally. I have learnt to control my emotions in the game and I think it helped me a lot. Physically in the sense that I learnt new things and skills which helped me bring in my A-game in every match.

Where do you see yourself and your teammates in the near future? Are there any specific goals or targets you’re working towards?

I see myself and my teammates playing in high and global leagues. I see us playing in the Women’s Premier League.

What advice would you give to young Nigerian girls who are interested in taking up cricket? How can they get involved and pursue their passion for the sport?

The federation has a model of catching young talents. They just have to come forward. When they get into the game, they should keep the passion burning, and have the zeal to be a better version of themselves by taking training seriously and in the end, the hard work will surely pay off.