Nigeria's U-19 Cricket Team Gears Up for World Cup, Captain Chukwuonye

Christabel Chukwuonye, 17, is leading Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens to the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal. In this chat with ABIODUN ADEWALE, she talks about her cricket journey and her dreams beyond the World Cup.

I have loved sports since my days in secondary school at Benin Technical College. I played football and table tennis. I just wanted to be where sports were happening. Then, the late coach Peter Esewi introduced cricket to us, and I fell in love with it. When I joined the high-performance training, they were sharing biscuits, so it started as fun but turned into a passion. Since then, I have been lucky to work with many coaches who helped shape my skills and growth.

At first, I didn’t think about what it meant to play for Nigeria. Back at Benin Technical College, I just wanted to try as many sports as I could, and cricket was familiar to me. I began training with experienced players at the high-performance centre, and that improved my game. Moving to the national team felt natural, but it took a lot of effort to get there.

It felt like leaving my comfort zone for something new. Going to international tournaments at a young age has opened my eyes. I made many friends, learned about the game at a high level, and improved my understanding. This chance is something anyone would pray for, not just as a cricket player.

I am studying Public Health, which is important to me. I know I need to build a future beyond cricket. Besides playing, I want to do something meaningful that allows me to grow, give back, and stay connected to my passion, whether in sports or another field.

I know balancing school and sports has forced many athletes to choose one. My biggest win is having my parents support me. They have been crucial in my education. I remember missing some exams in secondary school to attend my first international tournament. Luckily, one of my teachers was a sportsman and helped me. People like him have played a huge role in my journey.

There are times when important tournaments clash with exams. I pray that they will postpone either so I can succeed in both. In the end, I always weigh my options. If the exam can be taken later, I will go for the tournament. But if the tournament is a once-in-a-lifetime event, like the World Cup, I won’t let anything stop me. My coaches, parents, and teachers have helped me a lot in this area. My teachers understand the importance of sports and education.

Fielding is special to me. I enjoy it a lot. Each time we practice, I do it joyfully. Winning that award was just me giving my best and supporting the team. It felt great to have my efforts recognized. That is one of my major international awards, and it’s a stepping stone.

Honestly, we didn’t expect something so big because we still have work to do at the World Cup. That was a huge achievement, and we thank the president and the board for their support. Getting scholarships after qualifying for the World Cup shows how much we mean to them. It has eased a lot of the burden for my parents and teammates who pay their own way. We appreciate it and do not take it for granted.

The last World Cup taught us tough lessons. We didn’t get to play many games, and our game was washed out twice. But one thing kept us going: unity on and off the field. Sometimes, I think about the last World Cup, and it feels like a dream. Experiencing such a high-level tournament is an honor, and you don’t want it to end quickly. This time, we are better prepared, unlike last year when we didn’t know what to expect.

The qualifiers were just a start, and our coach says a team with heart will always succeed. The next phase will be tougher, but my team is the best. We keep working hard. I think what makes this squad special is the blend of talent, dedication, and trust in each other. Everyone brings something unique, whether it’s experience, energy, or fighting spirit. We push each other every day. For me, being part of this golden generation is about leaving a legacy for Nigerian women’s cricket. Together, we can go far, challenge the best teams, and inspire the next generation.

Everything is connected because doing well in any area means playing at the highest level, and I want to reach that level. I know there is much work ahead, and I am giving my all.

We always return to our normal lives. Except for a few close friends, there’s no one saying, “We saw you on TV.” Cricket is still growing, and some people still ask if Nigeria plays cricket. Maybe one day, we will gain that popularity, but that’s not our main goal. When we reach our aim, the whole world will know us.

When my coach told me I would captain the team, she quickly said she didn’t want me to feel pressured. She told me, “I just want you to play your best and let the team handle itself.” That stuck with me. I felt the responsibility was fitting me, not me fitting the responsibility. Being a captain is more than making decisions on the field. I told the girls how much we needed to get the job done. There was no pressure. I just added it to my personality and did my best. From the camp, we kept reminding ourselves about the image from Tanzania, and when we got to the tournament, the team switched on immediately. Everyone knew what was required, and they didn’t show any pressure.