Sports

Abuja Hosts High Drama as Semi-Finalists Emerge at NCF–PwC National U-17 Championship

Published

7 months ago

March 14, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The group stage of the 7th NCF–PwC National U-17 Cricket Championship Finals reached a decisive point on Match Day 3 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with the teams advancing to the semi-finals in both the boys’ and girls’ categories now confirmed.

After three days of intense competition, the tournament now moves into a high-stakes knockout phase as regional teams battled fiercely to secure their places in the last four.

Match Day 3 Results: The Final PushMatch Day 3 delivered dramatic, all-or-nothing encounters as regions fought for survival. The South-South teams maintained their dominance, while other regions battled through tense moments to seal qualification.

Boys’ Category Results (Match Day 3)South-South vs North-West

South-South delivered another commanding performance, posting 157/4, powered by an impressive 68 runs off 66 balls from Ebiram Bright Ojong. They followed it up with a devastating bowling display, dismissing North-West for just 14/10 to secure a massive 143-run victory.

South-West vs North-East
In a high-scoring contest, South-West set a formidable target of 195/6 in 25 overs. Their bowlers then restricted North-East to 75/10 in 23.5 overs, sealing a convincing 120-run win.

Girls’ Category Results (Match Day 3)South-South vs South-West
South-South concluded their group stage campaign strongly with a six-wicket victory.South-West: 63/10South-South: 64/4
South-East vs North-EastSouth-East strengthened their semi-final credentials with an emphatic 80-run victory after bowling out North-East for 80 runs in 19.4 overs.

Group Stage Overview
Throughout the group stage, the South-South teams proved to be the standout performers, remaining unbeaten in both categories.

Their dominance was built on a balanced combination of aggressive pace bowling and disciplined middle-order batting.

The South-West boys demonstrated remarkable resilience, with their crucial opening-day victory over South-East proving vital for their semi-final seeding.

In the girls’ category, South-East emerged as one of the tournament’s rising forces, relying heavily on an effective spin-bowling strategy that troubled their northern opponents.

Although eliminated, teams from the North-East and North-Central regions displayed promising development, with several players delivering notable individual performances.Upcoming Semi-Final Fixtures.

The championship now moves into the knockout stage on Saturday, March 14, 2026.Girls’ Semi-Finals
• South-South vs North-West
• South-East vs South-West
Boys’ Semi-Finals
• South-South vs North-West
• South-West vs South-East.

Fans and followers can stay connected with tournament updates through the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s digital platforms:Website: nigeriacricket.com.ng.

X: @Cricket_nigeriaFacebook: @nigeriacricketfederationInstagram: @nigeriacricketfederationThreads: @nigeriacricketfederationTournament Links:Girls’ Matches:

https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1907664/7th-ncf-national-u17-championship-finals-(girls)/matches/past-matches⁠�Boys’ Matches:
https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1907662/7th-ncf-national-u17-championship-finals-(boys)/matches/past-matches⁠�

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

34 mins ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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