By VIVIAN AHANMISI

Excitement is mounting ahead of the fifth Women’s Invitational T20 International as the Nigeria Cricket Federation prepares to welcome five teams for the flagship tournament.

The event runs from March 18 to March 29 at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, with the opening ball scheduled for March 20.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Zeal Ibe, media manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation.

The competition features hosts Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, alongside South Africa U19 Women, making their first appearance in the tournament.

The Nigeria Women’s Invitational has grown into West Africa’s leading women’s international cricket competition, attracting rising and elite players across the continent.

Since its launch, the tournament has gained global recognition, improved competitive quality and strengthened Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for women’s cricket in Africa.

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, said the event reflects Nigeria’s commitment to advancing women’s cricket across the continent.

“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,” he said.

Teams arrive in Lagos on March 18, with matches running throughout the tournament before the final fixtures and departures on March 29.

All matches will be staged at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, a venue renowned for hosting major domestic and international cricket events.

Organisers say the tournament will also feature youth cricket clinics and stakeholder engagements to expand grassroots participation and strengthen cricket’s commercial ecosystem in Nigeria. (NAN)