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*Dayok Challenges Plateau Cricketers to Aim Higher as Chairman’s Cup 2026 Ends Successfully*
The Chairman of the Plateau State Cricket Association, Mr. Stephen Dayok, has challenged young cricketers across the state to raise their performance levels following the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Chairman’s Cup Cricket Tournament 2026.
The tournament, held from June 26 to 27 at St. John’s College, Jos, brought together four teams in a T20 competition designed to promote grassroots cricket development and identify emerging talents.
Addressing players and officials at the event, Dayok praised the commitment of board members, coaches, organizers, and participating teams for making the championship a memorable success.
He emphasized that cricket has now become a compulsory sport at both the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, creating increased opportunities for players to represent Plateau State and compete at higher levels.
According to him, the state must take advantage of the growing number of cricket competitions and championships across Nigeria to reclaim its position as one of the leading cricket-playing states in the country, particularly within the North Central Zone.
On the field, Plateau Warriors justified their reputation by winning the inaugural title after a series of impressive performances. They defeated Plateau Cricket Team by 30 runs in the semi-finals before edging Team UNIJOS by six runs in a closely contested final.
Team UNIJOS finished as runners-up after overcoming Plateau Young Stars by 37 runs in their opening fixture, while Plateau Young Stars secured third place overall following strong performances throughout the competition.
Cricket stakeholders described the maiden Chairman’s Cup as a major step forward for the development of the sport in Plateau State. The tournament provided valuable match experience for young players and strengthened efforts to expand cricket participation across schools and communities.
The Plateau State Cricket Association Field Officer, Aliyu Magaji,said with the successful completion of the 2026 edition, attention has already shifted to preparations for the second Chairman’s Cup scheduled for 2027, with expectations of greater participation and stronger competition.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade,
PSCA Media.
