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Niger State Are The National Under-17 Champions As Abuja, Kwara, And Plateau States Show Class:
The 2026 National Under-17 Cricket Qualifiers concluded successfully after four days of thrilling competition at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The tournament, which ran from February 26 to March 1, 2026, featured teams from Plateau, Niger, Abuja (FCT), and Kwara States. The event provided a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talents and demonstrate the growing strength of grassroots cricket in the North Central zone.
Final Standings
Niger State – 1st
Abuja (FCT) – 2nd
Kwara State – 3rd
Plateau State – 4th
Despite finishing fourth, Team Plateau displayed commendable resilience and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
In the first match, Plateau vs Kwara,
Plateau posted 103 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the first innings. Kwara responded with 105 runs for 7 wickets, securing victory by 3 wickets.
The second game between Plateau and Abuja,
Plateau again recorded 103 runs for 9 wickets in the first innings. Abuja edged out Plateau in a closely contested encounter, winning by 5 runs.
However, in the third match, Plateau vs Niger,
Niger delivered a strong performance, scoring 157 runs for 8 wickets in the first innings. Plateau managed 101 runs all out in 13 overs during the second innings, as Niger claimed victory by 48 runs.
One of Plateau’s standout players, Sele Gyang Mancha, was honoured as the Best Behaved Player of the Tournament, earning admiration for his discipline and exemplary conduct on and off the field.
The North Central Zonal Representative, Mr Dare Amoila, presented cricket equipment worth ₦1.5 million to Team Plateau. The gesture, according to him, was aimed at encouraging the team to prepare more effectively for future competitions. He urged the state government and cricket association to continue supporting the young athletes, while also commending Plateau State for its contributions to cricket development.
Special appreciation was extended to the Plateau State Government, the State Sports Council, and members of the Cricket Association for their immense contributions toward sports development in the state.
The team and board members also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Director of Sports, Prof. Ezra Gunen, for his timely intervention in facilitating the team’s travel arrangements, which ensured their participation in the qualifiers.
The successful hosting of the competition further reinforces Abuja’s status as a key hub for youth sports development, while highlighting the immense potential of young cricketers in the North Central region.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade
