By Joel Ajayi
The 6th edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF)/PwC National Championship concluded in grand style at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, leaving behind a trail of talent discovery and unforgettable moments for players and stakeholders.
Despite notable improvements from other zones, the South-South male and female teams displayed sheer dominance throughout the competition, winning all their matches and ultimately clinching the championship titles.
This marks their sixth consecutive victory in the girls’ event and their fifth triumph in the boys’ category, reinforcing their stronghold on the prestigious tournament.
In the male category, the South-South team asserted their supremacy by defeating their South-West counterparts, while the South-East team secured third place.
Meanwhile, the South-South female team continued their dominance, successfully defending their title for the sixth consecutive time by overcoming the South-East team in the final.
Speaking after the event, the President of the NCF, Mr. Uyi Akpata, commended the sponsors, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), for their continued support in advancing cricket development in Nigeria.
“For the Federation itself, there has been significant improvement in the tournament. When you look back over the past six years, you can see the remarkable growth in the quality of play. The standard has been elevated,” Akpata noted.
He further attributed part of the success to the inspiring performance of Nigeria’s Under-19 girls’ team in Malaysia, which has motivated young players across the country.
“This tournament is about holistic development, and we are beginning to witness a truly competitive spirit across all zones. I am really excited about what the future holds,” he added.
Also speaking, the representative of PwC, Mr. Tolu Adeleke, emphasized that the championship has successfully unearthed fresh talent capable of representing Nigeria on national and international platforms.
“Today’s final was the climax of an exciting tournament, especially the match between the South-South and South-West teams. There was a particular young boy who entered the game with immense focus and determination to support his team.
“Although his team didn’t win, the tournament is not just about victory—it’s about participation, passion, and growth. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm displayed by these young players,” Adeleke remarked.
He expressed confidence that the championship has groomed many emerging talents who could soon feature in Nigeria’s Under-19 teams and eventually transition to the senior national squad.
With another successful edition concluded, the NCF/PwC National Championship continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing future cricket stars in Nigeria.
