The zonal qualifiers for this year’s National U‑17 Cricket Championship have concluded in the South‑West and South‑East regions, producing winners who will advance to the national finals.
In the South‑West zone, Ekiti State’s girls team finished at the top, with Lagos State securing second place and host Ogun State coming third. In the boys’ section, Lagos State led the competition, followed by Oyo State in second and Ogun State in third.
Over in the South‑East, Ebonyi State’s girls team claimed first place, trailed by Anambra State in second and Abia State in third. In the boys’ event, Imo State dominated the matches, with Ebonyi State taking second place and Anambra State finishing third.
The remaining four zones are still conducting their qualifying rounds in Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, and Abuja, with all matches scheduled to end by the start of March.
Players who perform well in these zonal competitions will earn the opportunity to participate in the national U‑17 tournament, a key platform for identifying and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of cricket talent.
