The Nigeria Cricket Federation praised the notable improvements in the UCF/PwC U17 Cricket Championship, citing higher competitiveness and engagement. Musa Ehizoje, the tournament director, noted impressive performances from various teams, indicating a shift from previous dominance by South South. The tournament attracted a global audience and contributed to talent development for future national teams, with South South winning both male and female categories once again.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has expressed satisfaction with the notable enhancements observed in the standard of the NCF/PwC U17 Cricket Championship. The tournament’s sixth edition concluded recently in Abuja, marked by several unexpected outcomes and record-breaking performances, garnering commendation from stakeholders, particularly the organizers.
Musa Ehizoje, the tournament director, highlighted the competition’s quality, stating that it showcased the game’s development across various regions. He remarked, “Overall, the standard of the game has improved significantly and we saw that over the past weekend.”
Ehizoje mentioned remarkable matches, such as North Central challenging five-time champions South South in the male division and also winning against one-time champions North West. In the female category, North East achieved a notable 93-run victory against South West, demonstrating a significant shift from previous tournaments, where teams like South South dominated.
Furthermore, he indicated that this year’s championship reached a broader audience globally due to Nigeria’s prior performance at the Under 19 World Cup. The event was streamed live, and several World Cup players participated, further enriching the tournament. “Now, we have a pool of talents to feed the Under 19 and senior national teams in both male and female category,” he remarked.
In terms of achievements, the South South region emerged victorious in both the male and female categories, with the women’s team maintaining its dominance since the tournament’s inception and the men’s team winning for the fifth consecutive time. The tournament, which took place from Thursday to Sunday, saw representation from all six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
The NCF’s acknowledgment of the significant improvements in the U-17 Cricket Championship reflects a promising evolution in the sport within Nigeria. The competitive nature exhibited by various teams and the increase in audience engagement underscore the potential for future successes in cricket. The federation anticipates that by 2025, the competitive landscape will continue to grow, fostering talent for national teams.
Original Source: nannews.ng
