The opening day of the 7th Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) National U-17 Championship Finals in Abuja, delivered a masterclass in clinical cricket with the South-South and South-West regions making early statements of intent across both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories.
Boys’ Category: Clinical South-South and Resilient South-West Lead the Pack
The Boys’ Super League saw a bowling clinic from the South-South Male side. They routed North-Central for a mere 38 runs in 19.5 overs.
Praise Chizea and Chigozie Princewill were unplayable, picking up 3 wickets each with remarkable economy rates of 0.67 and 1.04 respectively. South South knocked off the runs in 7.2 overs to secure a 6-wicket win.
In the game, South-West Male displayed excellent all-around temperament against South-East. Batting first, the South West posted a competitive 135/9 in their 25 overs, led by Olayinka Hamzat’s aggressive 34 off 30 balls.
Despite the best efforts of South East’s David Ojo (3 wickets), the South West bowling attack, spearheaded by Emmanuel Oladejo (3/13), proved too strong, bowling South East out for 92 to claim a 43-run victory.
Girls’ Category: South South and South-East Secure Early Wins
At the NCF Pitch, the South-South Female team showcased why they are perennial favourites. After winning the toss and electing to field, their bowling unit dismantled North-Central, bowling them out for just 67 runs.
Precious Okonkwo was the star with the ball, returning figures of 3/14, well-supported by Praise Onaghise (2/7). In response, Glory Idiahi anchored the chase with a brisk 31 off 20 balls, guiding South South to a 7-wicket victory in just 8 overs.
In a tighter contest, South-East Female edged out North-West by 3 wickets.
Despite a fighting effort from North West’s Faith Godwin and Mary Ezekiel, South East’s Godgift Ezeali played a crucial knock of 28 runs to help her side successfully chase down a target of 77.
Match Day 1 National U-17 Championship Summary Results:
Match 1 (Boys) Match 1 (Girls)
North-Central 38/10 (19.5) North Central 67/10 (18.1)
South-South 40/4 (7.2) South-South 68/3 (8.0)
South-South won by 7 Wickets South-South won by 6 Wickets
Match 2 (Boys) Match 2 (Girls)
South-West 135/9 (25.0) North-West 76/10 (17.1)
South-East 92/10 (21.2) South-East 77/7 (13.3)
South-West won by 43 runs South-East won by 3 Wickets
Upcoming Matches: Thursday 12th March 2026
Boys:
Match 3: North-Central vs North-West
Match 4: South-East vs North-East
Girls:
Match 3: South-West vs North-Central
Match 4: North-West vs North-East