Sports

FCT Agog, As 4th edition of PwC Cricket Tourney Kick-Off Thursday

Published

3 years ago

April 12, 2023

Joel Ajayi

It will be a titan battle at the 4th Edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers PwC National U-17 Cricket Championship finals as representatives of six geo-political zones set to rumble in Abuja.

The game will be played at Cricket Ovals inside Moshood Abiola National Stadium package B Abuja, starting from 12th to 16th of April, 2023.

Briefing newsmen ahead of the event on Wednesday in Abuja, the Secretary General of Nigeria Cricket Federation, NCF, Mr Taiwo Oris who represented the President of Nigeria Cricket Federation Uyi Akpata revealed that Federation’s target is to get more children into the game of cricket.

According to him, it’s important that we do this press briefing as a way to kick off this tournament and the way of projecting the game the more.

“This partnership with Pwc has helped many young people in Nigeria where many of them have been taken off the street to find life through cricket.”

He commended PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC, for the support of the tourney that is motivating the Federation to do more for the development of cricket in the country. “Your commitment, your partnership has been a major source of motivation for NCF.”

In his address, the representative of PwC, Mr Tolu Adeleke, said the sponsorship is part of their corporate responsibility in empowering youths and taking them off the street.

“We are excited to be here again, we have been doing this for four years to help the young Nigerians boys and girls.

“Our goal at PwC is to solve societal problems, giving hope to the hopeless as well as getting the children off the street and giving them life.

“And we have seen tremendous growth in the game over the years, there were improvement in the number of states that take part as well as an increased in the number of players, We are happy to see talents developed over the years we will not relent we shall continue to get more talent developed

“It been a great journey, we want the journey to continue as long as we are seeing positive change in the life of children.

While giving an overview of the tournament, the NCF Tournament Manager Bode Musa Ehizoje enumerated positive impacts of the tournament in the last four years as the number of participating states keep increasing.

Speaking on the technical aspect of the event, the NCF Technical Director Mr Joseph Eshua expressed that the

“The improvement from this tournament is applaudable, some of the players from this tourney are the one playing at under 19, and T20.

“Also, the tournament has also developed upcoming umpires and coaches.”

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Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

9 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

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