Breaking becoming a part of Nigeria's women's national cricket team before the age of 20 is now common.
The most recent addition is Peace Usen, who turned 16 a few days before her first match for Nigeria against Tanzania at the current African Games in Ghana.
Usen was put into the team for the tournament in Ghana, having only watched the rest at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s T20i invitational tournament in Lagos, a few days before the start of the African Games.
The young player did well, making her mark in the team by taking four wickets in her second T20i game, as Nigeria defeated Namibia by 55 runs on Friday to improve their chances of qualifying out of the challenging group, which also included 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 despite the odds.
“I have to admit I didn’t expect it, because all I was aiming for was to prevent runs and give my best to the team,” Usen told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“Moreover, it being my Nigeria debut at a big event like the African Games, I felt I had been given more responsibilities, unlike playing in a friendly game where we just have to do our best.
But in this case, it is much different because I have to put in more effort, give my all in the game and continue to build on the good work we have done so far.
“Actually I feel fortunate to be in the team. I don’t know how to express it, but that’s the reality,” she added.
Although from Akwa Ibom State, Usen grew up in Benin City, Edo State, where she started her journey as a cricket player. Given the strong presence of both states in the women’s senior national team, it is fair to say she was destined for cricket both biologically and geographically.
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 guidance of the late NCF tutor, coach Peter Guobadia, who passed away last year.
“I studied 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 trained to specialize in bowling and fielding, based on her strengths, and getting four wickets against Namibia was a sign that she is maturing.
“During the tournament in Lagos, I told her she would be traveling with the team to Ghana and also play. I could see she was surprised and happy at the same time. She tried to thank me and I made her realize 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 formed our team based on the skills of our players, and it’s always nice to see if some of them can do multiple things on the team. We are good at fielding, so everyone is skilled at that. She adds to our strong bowlers, and if she becomes more aggressive at the crease, her batting will improve too,” Oyede added.
Usen has taken five wickets in four matches for Nigeria so far, and she aims to achieve greater things with the group of players who are setting high standards and encouraging female cricket in the country.
“Only God knows the future, and I believe with this team, we will not only win matches, but also win trophies,” she said.
