South-West, South-East Produce Early U-17 Cricket Champions

By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE

South-West and South-East Finals Decided

WINNERS have emerged from the South-West and South-East zones in the ongoing qualifiers for the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) National U-17 Championships for boys and girls.

The simultaneous eliminations were staged at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena and Government Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State, with young cricketers battling for zonal supremacy and spots at the national finals.

In Abeokuta, Ekiti State topped the female category, finishing ahead of Lagos State in second place, while host Ogun State placed third. In the boys’ division, Lagos State emerged champions, Oyo State finished second, and Ogun secured third position.

At the South-East qualifiers in Owerri, Ebonyi State dominated the girls’ competition, edging Anambra State into second place, while Abia State finished third. In the boys’ category, Imo State claimed first position, ahead of Ebonyi in second and Anambra in third.

Race to Abuja Intensifies

With two zones concluded, attention now shifts to the remaining four zones. Kaduna will host the North-West qualifiers, Adamawa State takes charge of the North-East, Edo State will stage the South-South fixtures, while the North-Central matches will hold at the twin cricket ovals of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Package B).

Zonal qualifiers run until 1st March, after which standout players from across the country will converge in Abuja for the national championship.