Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-23 03:22:42
South-South U-17 teams’ coach, Theophilus Ibodeme, has credited his zone’s continued dominance of the country’s youth cricket to meticulous planning and investment in grassroots development. The South-South team recently won the fifth NCF/PwC National U-17 Championship at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Both the boys and girls’ teams from the region went unbeaten at the national finals, further solidifying their dominance in the youth cricket category.
Ibodeme expressed his joy at the team’s victory, stating, “By the grace of God Almighty, we are glad to have won again, and this time, it feels special because many of the teams have stepped up their game, and it was a tough event full of different tactics. This means that we have to dig deeper technically going forward if we have to retain our winning edge in the region.” This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication put into developing young cricketers in the South-South region.
The event also received praise from Tolu Adeleke, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, who commended its ability to galvanize the country and empower girls. He stated, “We are very glad that the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has sustained the values that attracted our interest in this project; the fact that the event has even been elevated to become the nursery that produces our national team players is very encouraging.” This recognition from a prominent corporate partner underscores the impact and potential of the tournament.
Team South-West also put forth an impressive showing at the event, with their efforts earning them runner-up places at both the boys and girls’ events. Joseph Omonkhobhio and Joy Osazuwa, the Most Valuable Players for the boys and girls, respectively, hail from the winning South-South teams. Their outstanding performances were recognized at the championship, highlighting the talent and skill present within the youth cricket community.
The 2024 PwC National U-17 Championship featured teams from 34 of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital City. This widespread participation demonstrates the growing interest and involvement in cricket across the country. The tournament has become a platform for young talent to showcase their skills and abilities, further fueling the development of the sport at the grassroots level.
The continued success of the South-South U-17 teams is a result of dedicated planning, investment, and the hard work of all those involved. It serves as a reminder of the potential that exists within the youth cricket community and the importance of nurturing talent at a young age. With each victory, the region’s dominance in the sport is solidified, offering inspiration to young cricketers across the country to pursue their passion and strive for excellence. As the youth cricket landscape continues to evolve, events like the NCF/PwC National U-17 Championship play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport and empowering young athletes.
