The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) commended the significant improvements in the NCF/PwC U17 Cricket Championship. The sixth edition featured surprise performances, highlighting regional growth and competitiveness, with South South remaining champions for both male and female categories. Director Musa Ehizoje noted increased global interest in the tournament, enhancing the talent pool for Nigeria’s national teams.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has praised the marked enhancement in the quality of the NCF/PwC U17 Cricket Championship. Concluding its sixth edition recently in Abuja, the tournament featured numerous upsets and record-breaking performances, garnering recognition from stakeholders and the organizers alike. Tournament director Musa Ehizoje emphasized the positive development in regional cricket, illustrating a competitive atmosphere among participating teams.
Ehizoje remarked that significantly improved performance was evident, as North Central challenged the five-time champions, South South, and also secured a notable victory against the former champions, North West. Additionally, North East triumphed over South West by 93 runs in the female category, defying expectations and showcasing the growth of the sport across the regions.
Unlike previous tournaments where South South dominated, every team in this edition displayed fierce competition, providing excitement for the federation. Ehijoze expressed anticipation that by 2025, any team could potentially win against South South in both male and female events. Furthermore, the tournament garnered global attention, having been streamed live, following Nigeria’s team performance at the Under 19 World Cup earlier this year.
World Cup participants also joined this tournament due to their eligibility, expanding Nigeria’s talent pool for both Under 19 and senior national teams. It was reported that South South claimed victory in both male and female categories, with the women’s team maintaining an undefeated streak since the tournament’s inception while men achieved their fifth consecutive championship. The tournament included representation from all six geo-political zones, having commenced on a Thursday and concluded on a Sunday.
The NCF celebrated notable advancements in the U-17 Cricket Championship, highlighting improved competitiveness and regional development. The tournament’s outcomes represented a shift in power dynamics, with North Central and North East achieving significant victories against traditional favorites. Overall, the enthusiasm and growth in talent suggest a promising future for Nigerian cricket, fostering hope for even more competitive results in the coming years.
Original Source: nannews.ng
