Paragraph 1: Lagos Dominates Southwest U-17 Cricket Championships
Lagos State showcased their cricketing prowess by sweeping both the male and female titles at the Southwest Zonal Eliminations of the sixth Nigeria Cricket Federation’s National U-17 Championships. The boys’ team comfortably chased down Oyo State’s 138 runs, finishing at 142 for the loss of just three wickets. Ogun State secured third place in the boys’ category, achieving an eight-wicket victory over Osun State, who were dismissed for a paltry 23 runs. The girls’ final was a tighter affair, with Lagos successfully defending their total of 104/6 to defeat Ogun State by 15 runs. Oyo State’s girls’ team claimed the third spot, defeating Osun State by a comfortable 33 runs.
Paragraph 2: Edo and Delta Triumph in South-South Zone
The South-South zonal eliminations witnessed equally exciting contests. Delta State’s girls’ team displayed an unbeaten run, winning all their matches against Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states to secure the championship with a maximum of six points. In the boys’ category, Edo State emerged victorious, claiming the South-South title with a resounding 75-run victory over Akwa Ibom State. Delta State secured third place in the boys’ competition by defeating Rivers State with a commanding 188-run margin.
Paragraph 3: National Championships and the Pathway to Stardom
These zonal eliminations serve as qualifiers for the National U-17 Championships, scheduled to take place in Abuja from February 18th to 23rd. Participating teams from all six geo-political zones will converge in Abuja to compete for national honors. The NCF National U-17 Championships, established in 2019, have become a vital platform for identifying and nurturing young cricketing talent, providing a pathway for aspiring players to represent Nigeria at the national and international levels.
Paragraph 4: Success Stories and Emerging Stars
The U-17 Championships have already produced a crop of talented players who have gone on to represent Nigeria with distinction. Notable examples include Piety Lucky, Lilian Ude, and Peace Usen, who were part of the Nigerian squad that competed in the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia. On the men’s side, Ridwan Abdulkareem and Prosper Useni, discovered through the tournament, have become integral members of the senior national team. These success stories highlight the significance of the U-17 Championships as a breeding ground for future stars.
Paragraph 5: Growing Participation and Expanding Reach
The NCF National U-17 Championships have witnessed a steady increase in participation since their inception. The inaugural edition in 2019 saw 19 states competing in the boys’ category and 15 in the girls’ category. This number grew significantly to 33 and 29 respectively in 2023 and 2024. The sixth edition is poised to set a new record for participation, with teams from previously unrepresented states joining the competition.
Paragraph 6: Breaking New Ground and Fostering Inclusivity
The sixth edition marks a significant milestone with enhanced inclusivity. For the first time, teams from Yobe, Adamawa, and Bauchi states in the Northeast zone are participating, adding to the geographical diversity of the tournament. In the North-Central zone, Benue State is making its debut in the boys’ category, breaking its long absence from the cricketing scene. This expanded participation underscores the growing popularity and reach of cricket across Nigeria, marking a positive development for the sport’s future in the country.
