From Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)
16 girls have been selected for national assignment following the just concluded zonal NCF/PwC National U17 Girls Championship held at Uniport Cricket pitch last Sunday.
Six of the girls are from Edo state while 4 are from Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta state presented 2 each, while new entrant Bayelsa and Cross River presented 1 player each.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Vice President, Mr Akpata assured that all players at the U17 event got additional allowance and better feeding package while the weeklong zonal elimination lasted.
“It’s about action on the ground than throwing money at I, and of course providing the right leadership and monitoring system. Next week all the state teams (south-south) are going to get new equipment.” Akpata said.
He disclosed that Bayelsa and Cross River state will get more of the equipment support to boast their developmental status.
Akpata made it clear that government cannot do it alone therefore individual and corporate support are needed to keep kids out of street while unlocking their potentials in cricket game.
“I know what cricket gave me as a kid growing up. So with a group of friends we make our modest support particularly at the developmental stage.” Mr. Akpata said.
Like the Cricket Vice President, the south-south Regional Development Officer (RDO), Theophilus Ibodeme, said the biggest excitement of the championship was the participation of all six south-south states, especially Bayelsa and Cross River states as debutants.
The RDO affirmed sunnier future awaits south-south girls in cricket following Akpata support and his facilitation of PwC sponsorship. “The eyes of the national female coach and selection board will be on south-south girls because of their outstanding performance. They have a brighter future.” Ibodeme noted.
The 16 girls will play against selected representatives of other 5 zones in the country at Edo State finals where Nigeria’s next U17 national team will be selected.
Victoria Igbinedion from Edo came out as Best Batter of the ZONE, while Oseyende Omokhobhio won Best Bowler and Jessica Omorodion was Most Vaulable Player, MVP. The Best Behaved Player was Mabel Eguatu from Delta state.
Meanwhile the south-south has dominated national female team with the likes of former Captain Blessing Etim, Salome Sunday, Agata Ogbulor, Samanta, Adazuma, Fate Fyneface and more wearing the national female team colours.
The PwC sponsored cricket championship continues for U17 boys as arrival date has been fixed for Wednesday 20th January 2021 at Uniport cricket oval.
