Sports
6th Edition of National Under 17 Cricket Championship Powered By PwC Set to Begin With Zonal Qualification Across Nigeria
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)*.
Sports
NOC President Gumel Hails NSC Leadership as Nigerian Athletes Shine at African Youth Games
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, has lauded the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its sustained investment in youth development, noting that the strategy is already delivering positive results.
Engr. Gumel made the remarks at El dorado Beach Park in Luanda, Angola, after Nigeria’s Beach Volleyball team defeated Egypt 2–0 to clinch the gold medal at the ongoing 2025 Africa Youth Games.
He described the Africa Youth Games—an initiative of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA)—as a vital grassroots development platform designed to “catch them young” and prepare athletes for future national and international assignments.
“The Youth Games are very important because they serve as a foundation for grassroots sports development. Through this programme, young talents are identified early and groomed for the national level,” Gumel said.
Expressing delight over Nigeria’s strong participation and success, the NOC President noted that the Beach Volleyball gold medal was a clear indication of the country’s growing strength in youth sports.
“We are happy that Nigeria is participating actively, and our team has just won gold in Beach Volleyball. I watched these athletes earlier at the Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia, and seeing their progress now makes us very proud,” he added.
Engr. Gumel further attributed the bright future of Nigerian sports to the effective leadership of the National Sports Commission, praising both the Chairman and the Director-General for their vision and commitment.
“The future of sports in Nigeria is very bright. This progress would not have been possible without the leadership of the National Sports Commission.
The Chairman and the Director-General are doing an excellent job, and their efforts are clearly reflected in these achievements,” he concluded.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News12 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
