Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-10 02:39:19
The third South-South Women’s Cricket League is set to take place in Benin City, featuring Edo State Governor’s Wife, Betsy Obaseki, and the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli. The league, which is scheduled to run from yesterday through the end of tomorrow at the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Cricket, Iyoba College, Benin City, will showcase four teams: Idia Royals, Pathfinders Cricket Club, Smashers Cricket Club, and Adolo Amazons Cricket in a T20 competition.
Chairman of Edo State Cricket Association, Uyi Akpata, who is also the president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), expressed his assurance that the Super Four will feature the top four teams in the region. He also highlighted the growth of women’s cricket in Nigeria, stating, “all the clubs grew out of the quest to draw a new path for the game’s development, and today, among other things, we are celebrating the rise of women cricket in Nigeria.” He also noted that the commitment of the government of states in the region and the passion of cricket enthusiasts have made the South-South region a powerhouse for the game.
Akpata also mentioned the commitment of Mrs. Obaseki in encouraging the girl-child’s engagement in social development and reforms in the state, stating that her presence at the finals of the Super Four compliments her role in the community.
Women’s national team coach, Leke Oyede, commended the league for providing the national team players with more playing time and creating opportunities for new talent to be discovered. He mentioned that the event has allowed players to hone their skills and has provided valuable competition and playtime for national team players.
Furthermore, Oyede noted that the women’s national team will be featured at the NCF Women’s T20 Invitation in February in Lagos, as well as at the All Africa Games in Ghana in early March. The Super Four provides an opportunity for coaches to assess the form of the players to be invited for international events.
In conclusion, the third South-South Women’s Cricket League in Benin City is a significant event that not only showcases the talents of women cricket players in the region but also provides a platform for the national team to assess and groom new talent for future international competitions. The commitment of government officials and cricket enthusiasts, as well as the support of community leaders, has played a vital role in the growth and development of women’s cricket in Nigeria.
