The Nigeria national U-19 women's cricket coach Onome Oghenekevwe insists Rwanda is a hard nut to crack due to its growing prowess in the sport.

Both countries are in the same group for the Africa U-19 Cricket world cup qualifiers which starts on September 3 in Botswana and the Nigerian gaffer is aware of the pedigree of Rwanda.

Onome stressed that it will be a difficult game considering the pedigree of Rwanda but he has urged his charges to live up to the task.

"We intend to take the tournament game after game although we expect stiff opposition from Rwanda," Onome emphasized ahead of his team's departure.

"This competition boils down to game awareness, mental strength and fitness. We are doing our best as coaches."

Nigeria will face Rwanda in match day one of the competition on Saturday before locking horns with Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania in subsequent Group A games.

Group B also has host country Botswana, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Namibia.

The Nigerian team are expected to leave for Gaborone-Botswana on Wednesday, September 31st.