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By: Abiodun Adewale
Breaking into Nigeria women’s national cricket team before turning 20 is now a norm.
The latest entrant is Peace Usen, who turned 16, four days before making her debut for Nigeria against Tanzania at the ongoing African Games in Ghana.
In what could be termed baptism of fire in the national team colours, Usen was thrown into the team for the tournament in Ghana, having only observed the rest at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s T20i invitational tournament in Lagos, few days before the first ball at the African Games.
The youngster didn’t disappoint, making her mark in the team with four wickets in her second T20i game, as Nigeria upset Namibia by 55 runs on Friday to boost their chances of qualifying out of the tough group, which also had Africa’s best-ranked team South Africa.
She was named Player of The Match in the historic win which paved the way for Nigeria’s progress against all odds.
“I must confess I didn’t see it coming, because all I was looking forward to was to get the dots ball (when no runs are conceded from a ball) and also give my very best to the team,” Usen told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“Moreover, being my Nigeria debut at a competition as big as the African Games, I felt l had been given more responsibilities, unlike playing in a friendly game where we just have to put in our best.
“But in this case, it is far more different because I have to put in more effort, apply my body and soul in the game and still build on those good works we have done so far.
“Actually I feel blessed to be in the team. I don’t know which way to express it, that’s the fact,” she added.
Although from Akwa Ibom State, Usen grew up in Benin City, Edo State, where she began her journey as a cricket player. Going by the strong composition of both states in the women’s senior national team, it is safe to say she was forged biologically and geographically for cricket.
Like some others who have made the team before her, she was introduced to the game through the NCF and the Edo State Cricket Association schools outreach. From there, she began to learn under the tutelage of the late NCF tutor, coach Peter Guobadia, who died last year.
“I schooled at Benin Technical College, where I first met a man who later became my coach (Peter). He was not just a coach to me, he was a mentor. If not for him only God knows where I would have been. I still respect and give him that honour and gratitude even after his death.”
Within a few years of learning under coach Guobadia, Usen was prepared for what was to come. She was primed to be a specialist in bowling and fielding, based on her strength and getting four wickets against Namibia was a sign that she is coming of age.
“During the tournament in Lagos, I told her she will be travelling with the team to Ghana and also play. I could see she was shocked and happy at the same time. She tried to thank me and I made her realise it’s her hard work that earned her a place,” Female Yellow Greens coach, Leke Oyede, told PUNCH Sports Extra.
During his playing days, Oyede was an all-rounder himself and believes she could as well become one as time goes on.
“We set up based on the strength of our players and it’s usually refreshing to see if one or two of them can do multiple things in the team. We are a good fielding team so everyone is good at that. She is an addition to our super bowlers and if she becomes fiercer in the crease, her batting will get better too,” Oyede added.
In four games for Nigeria so far, Usen has five wickets to her name and she is looking to achieve greater things with the set of players who are raising the bar and inspiring female cricket in the country.
“God knows the future and I believe with this team, we won’t only win matches, we will win trophies as well,” she said.