Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-12 03:45:22
The Idia Royals Female Cricket Club of Benin City emerged victorious in the 2024 South-South Female Cricket League, defeating the Smashers CC of Uyo by seven wickets in a thrilling final match. The national team star, Favour Eseigbe, played a key role in leading the Idia Royals to victory, showcasing her talent and skill on the field. The road to the finals was filled with intense competition, as the Idia Royals secured their place in the championship match by narrowly beating Pathfinders Cricket Club in the first Semi-final of the Super Four series. Similarly, Smashers CC demonstrated their strength and determination by subduing Adolo Amazon to secure the second spot in the dramatic finals.
Abraham Oviawe, the Vice Chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association, emphasized the level of competitiveness that the event has attracted, noting that the emergence of a new winner of the league reflects the quality of talent that has been unearthed in just three editions. He praised the hard work and dedication of the teams in developing their players and not solely relying on established names to achieve success.
The individual achievements of the players were also recognized, with Salome Sunday of the Smashers CC receiving the batter of the series award for her impressive 47 runs in the Super Four. Unwana Moses of Pathfinder was honored as the bowler of the series, while Esther Sandy, also of Smashers, was named the fielder of the series. Piety Lucky stood out as the Most Valuable Player of the series, further showcasing the exceptional talent and skill displayed throughout the league.
The third edition of the South-South Female Cricket League saw the participation of eight teams, with four teams advancing to the Super Four phase of the league. Uyi Akpata, the Chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association and President of the team Nigeria Cricket Federation, highlighted the significance of the league in driving the development of female cricket in North-West Africa. He expressed gratitude for the support from the government and coaches, emphasizing the league as a major event that holds the key to the development of female cricket.
Overall, the 2024 South-South Female Cricket League showcased the immense talent, determination, and competitiveness of female cricketers in the region. The victory of the Idia Royals Female Cricket Club serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players and the significant impact of the league in advancing the development of female cricket. With the continued support and commitment from all stakeholders, the future of female cricket in the region looks promising and bright.
