Sports

6th Edition of National Under 17 Cricket Championship Powered By PwC Set to Begin With Zonal Qualification Across Nigeria

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Still basking if the euphoria from the exploits by the Nigeria female under-19 team at the ICC Under-19 female T20 world cup in Malaysia, the country is set to host the 6th edition of the National Under 17 Cricket Championship for boys and girls with qualification series across the 6 geo-political zone in the country.

Over the years, the competition have grown to become the biggest age grade tournament in Nigeria and West Africa, providing the right pathway for the next generation of superstars to wear the prestigious ‘Green and Yellow” kits of Nigeria. The last five editions have witnessed a significant expansion in the number of participating states. The first edition had 19 states participating in the boys category and 15 states in the girls category with an small increase in 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic where 21 states and 17 states participated in the boys and girls category respectively.

As the tournament became more popular, 2022 witnessed a significant increase in participation where 25 states featured in the boys category and 21 states in the girls category. In 2023 and 2024, the numbers continued to increase with a staggering representation of 33 states participating in the boys category and 29 states in the girls category during the 5th edition in 2024, making a total of 3,290 player participants and 928 coaches representation in this tournament with over 450 officiating jobs carried out in the last 5 editions.

The 6th edition is looking to set a new record of participation with Yobe, Adamawa and Bauchi from the North East all making their appearance for the first time, while in the North central, Benue State finally breaking their barren years of involvement in Cricket by featuring a boys team in the North Central zonal qualifier.

North Central qualifier will take place in the FCT, Abuja while North West and North East will take place in Kaduna and Borno State respectively. The South-South qualifier will take place in Asaba, Delta State, Ebonyi State will host the South East while Lagos State will host the South West states.

The date for the zonal qualification are scheduled as follows,
*North Central: 8- 12th February**North East: 8- 12th February**North West : 8- 12th February**South-South: 6 – 10th February**South East: 7 – 11th February**South West: 6 – 10 th February

All dates include Arrival and Departure .
The National final is scheduled to take place in Abuja from 18th to 23rd of February 2025. For more information and inquiries, contact the tournament coordinator *(08055839884)*.

Share on Facebook

Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

11 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

Share on Facebook