The South East region emerged the biggest winners at the grand finale of the 7th edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) PwC National U-17 Championship, clinching both the boys’ and girls’ titles after impressive performances at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The week-long championship, organised by the Nigeria Cricket Federation in partnership with PwC Nigeria, brought together the country’s most promising young cricketers from the six geopolitical zones, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to grassroots development and talent discovery.
South East Girls Edge South South in Tense Final
The girls’ final produced a tense, low-scoring encounter as South East defeated South South by three wickets to secure the national title.
Having elected to field first, South East’s bowlers controlled proceedings early.
Ude Sunshine Amarachi returned impressive figures of 2 wickets for 9 runs, while Okpe Chisome claimed 2 for 16 to restrict South South to 96 for 6 in 20 overs.
Okonkwo Precious anchored the innings with an unbeaten 22, with Ejike Prestige contributing 13 and Okpara Treasure adding 12.
South East’s chase almost slipped away at 51 for 7 before Oko Theresa delivered a decisive performance, scoring 33 off 46 balls.
Supported by Amarachi (11), she guided her side to 98 for 7 in 18.4 overs to seal the victory.
South West Girls Snatch Third-Place Win
Earlier in the day, the girls’ third-place playoff produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament.
North West posted 84 for 9, with Ezekiel Mary scoring 12 and Isijola Shalom making 18. South West bowlers Azeez Kehinde Oyinkansola (3/16) and Akinola Eniola (2/19) led the bowling effort.
In response, South West appeared headed for defeat at 71 for 9 before the last-wicket pair of Azeez (5 not out) and Akinola (10 not out) steered their side to a remarkable one-wicket victory at 86 for 9.
South East Boys Complete Historic Double
The boys’ final saw South East complete a historic championship double with a disciplined 23-run victory over South West.
South East posted 145 all out, with captain Ejiofor Chiemezie scoring 18 and Okoye Obinna finishing unbeaten on 22.
South West captain Peter Isari returned figures of 3 for 29, while Eboka Paul, Oladejo Emmanuel and Orimolade Pelumi also made key bowling contributions.
Chasing 146, South West were bowled out for 122 despite spirited knocks of 25 each from Balogun Daniel and Oladejo Emmanuel.
Onya Chukwuemeka Samuel led South East’s bowling attack with ‘s for 22, while Obinna and Chiemezie picked up two wickets apiece.
South South Boys Finish Third
South South were officially awarded third place in the boys’ category based on superior Net Run Rate following the semi-final stage, reflecting consistent performances throughout the competition.
Final Standings
Boys
Champions – South East
Runners-up – South West
Third Place – South South
Girls
Champions – South East
Runners-up – South South
Third Place – South West
Individual Awards
Boys
Best Behaved – Useni Mustapha (North East)
Most Promising – Princewill Chigozie (South South)
Best Fielder – Ejiofor Chiemezie (South East)
Best Bowler – Peter Isari (South West)
Best Batter – Balogun Daniel (South West)
Most Valuable Player – Echem Chukwuemeka (South East)
Girls
Most Promising – Jemima Usman (North East)
Best Fielder – Oni Oluwa Damilola (South West)
Best Bowler – Azeez Kehinde (South West)
Best Batter – Ezeali Godsgift (South East)
Most Valuable Player – Okpe Chizome (South East)
Boost for Youth Cricket Development
The NCF PwC National U-17 Championship continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing young talent and strengthening Nigeria’s youth cricket pipeline.
Officials of the Nigeria Cricket Federation commended players, coaches, match officials and partners for contributing to the success of the tournament, noting that the competition highlights the growing strength of youth cricket in Nigeria and across Africa.
With standout performances across both categories, the latest edition of the championship again underscored the bright future of cricket development in the country.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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