18th October, 2012
The Nigeria Cricket Federation, NCF, has called up 25 players to camp ahead of the forthcoming U-I7 ICC-Africa North West Africa Cricket Championship to be hosted by Nigeria in December.
The federation held a national trial for the U-17 boys from 12-14 October at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State where 42 players were invited. At the end of the three day trials, 25 players were selected for another ten days camping. The process led to the selection of a 25-man squad that will represent Nigeria at the U-17 Championship. The selected players are Sesan Adedeji, Afeez Obisesan, Daniel Ajekun, Mojeed Adiamo, Kunle Awosanmi, Kelechi Duru, Emmanuel Samson, Niyi Oyenuga, Yusuf Mustapha, Chimson Adogu, Henry Oko-jaja, Alfred Tay and Adeba Abubakar.
Others are Chima Akachukwu, Rilwan Yusuf, Suliman Runsewe, Segun Adebowale, Daniel Gim, Samson Samuel, Sylvester Okpe, Benjamin Nwogu, Enoffy Geoffrey, Omoruyi Igbineweka, Chukwudi Mgbojiokwe and Chijioke Ezeaguba.
Meanwhile, the South-South Zonal Qualifiers for the National Club Championship was held in Port Harcourt last weekend at the Enitonia High School cricket oval. The match was between the Integrity Cricket Club of Benin and the Whales Cricket Club of Port Harcourt. Integrity won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored a total of 126 runs all out in 28.5 overs. Integrity Cricket Club of Benin won by 56 runs to qualify for the finals which come up in Abuja from 26-28 October.
—Taiwo Adelu