Shola’s journey to the national team began when she first picked up a cricket bat in her school’s cricket club in Benin City, Edo State. Her natural talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of coaches and development officers of the NCF, who saw great promise in the young player.
After a few years of grooming at the state level under coach Theophilus Ibodeme, who is also the assistant coach of the Female Yellow Greens, her national team debut came in the third game of the 2023 tournament as Nigeria got the better of Cameroon by seven wickets.
In that game, she was the last in Nigeria’s batting order, meaning she didn’t even get to bat on her debut. In bowling as well, she conceded eight runs in four overs with no maidens and wickets.
Nigeria’s easy win was the best memory of Adekunle’s debut. The player, who now has 22 T20i appearances for Nigeria, including playing a crucial part in their bronze-winning feat at the 2023 African Games in Ghana, recalls how she felt last year.
“I wanted more in that game (against Cameroon) but when your team wins, you should be happy,” Adekunle told PUNCH Sports Extra.
