Cricket
Middle-Belt Tigers etched their name into the history books on Saturday after defeating Southern Sharks by six runs to claim the inaugural Nigeria Super League cricket title in Lagos.
The championship decider, held at the TBS Cricket Oval, brought the curtain down on the maiden edition of the competition, which featured 20 matches and showcased some of Nigeria’s brightest cricket talents.
After winning the toss, Middle-Belt Tigers elected to bat first in the 10-over contest and made an impressive start.
Solomon Chilemanya set the tone with a quickfire 17 runs from just seven deliveries, including two sixes and a boundary, while Olaleye Elijah steadied the innings with a well-crafted 21 off 14 balls.
David Ankrah further boosted the scoring rate with a blistering 22 runs from 10 deliveries, highlighted by three sixes.
Eghosa Destiny remained unbeaten on 19 runs as the Tigers posted a competitive total of 104 for five, leaving Southern Sharks with a target of 105 for victory.
In reply, Southern Sharks mounted a spirited chase and stayed in contention throughout much of the innings.
Isesele Evangel led the batting effort with 26 runs from 21 balls, while captain Isaac Okpe contributed a rapid 15 runs off seven deliveries.
Kenneth Boniface and Durotoye Gideon also chipped in with valuable runs as the contest headed into a tense finish.
However, Middle-Belt Tigers maintained their composure in the closing stages, restricting the Sharks to 98 for seven to secure a memorable victory and lift the trophy.
The champions were equally impressive with the ball, with Ndubudem David producing a standout performance of two wickets for 14 runs in his allotted overs.
Awodele Shina claimed two wickets, while captain Runsewe Sulaimon and Ankrah picked up one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Northern Lions secured third place after defeating Central Eagles by 32 runs in the playoff match.
Batting first in the five-over encounter, Northern Lions posted 60 for three, with Elijah Jimmy scoring 15 runs from five balls and Akhere Isesele remaining unbeaten on 18 from nine deliveries.
Central Eagles struggled in pursuit of the target as the Lions’ bowlers dominated proceedings.
Okasha Isiyaku claimed two wickets, while Beki Kehinde and captain Okpe Sylvester also recorded two wickets each to help dismiss the Eagles for 28 for seven.
Speaking after the match, Northern Lions captain Sylvester Okpe expressed satisfaction with his team’s third-place finish, describing the bronze medal as a commendable achievement in the competition’s debut edition.
He praised the quality of cricket displayed throughout the tournament and said his side would return stronger with ambitions of winning the title in future editions.
Reflecting on the tournament, Nigeria Cricket Federation President Uyi Akpata applauded the standard of competition and the performances delivered by participating teams.
According to him, the inaugural edition surpassed expectations and highlighted the steady progress being made in the development of cricket across the country.
Akpata noted that the league aligns with the federation’s vision of strengthening domestic cricket and providing players with more opportunities to compete at a high level.
Also commenting, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Seun Odeku, described the tournament as a successful debut, adding that the positive response from players, officials and supporters provided a strong foundation for future editions.
At the conclusion of the competition, Solomon Chilemanya of Middle-Belt Tigers emerged as the Best Batter after scoring 172 runs in eight innings.
His teammate, Ndubudem David, claimed the Best Bowler award with 14 wickets, while Northern Lions’ Ridwan Kareem was recognised as Best Fielder after recording six dismissals.
Southern Sharks’ Ismail Abdullahi received the Outstanding Young Player award for his impressive performances during the tournament.
The final standings saw Middle-Belt Tigers crowned champions, Southern Sharks finishing as runners-up and Northern Lions securing third place, capping off a successful first edition of the Nigeria Super League.