Stakeholders Count Blessings of Howzat Junior Cricket League

Organisers of the National Junior Super Cricket League have taken pride in the positive impact made by the competition over the years.

The 24th of edition of the League held at Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval with 6 teams battling for the Phillip Asiodu trophy at stake.

Prof Giwa-Osagie(R)

Speaking after the championship, Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie, the chairman of Howzat Foundation, organisers of the league, underscored values of the game which shape players into better persons in the society.

According to the veteran stakeholder of the game, cricket molds characters of participants from the grassroots upwards.

“Howzat is begining to place more emphasis on the values of cricket. You will never see a cricketer arguing with an umpire, even at the international level,, you will never see them do it, you compare them with those who play soccer,” Professor Osagie pointed out.

“It’s not just a game, it’s about character building, playing to the rules. If Nigerian politics were played to the rules, we will not be in the confusion we have today.”

At the end of the three day competition, Edo Boys High School exhibited more maturity to emerge champions of the competition while their player Onoshagbe Joseph took the player of the tournament and best bowler honours.

Government College Ibadan cane in 2nd place while Government Model School Asaba took 3rd spot.

In other individual awards, Okobi Destiny of Model College emerged the best wicket keeper just as the best batter prize went to Emmanuel Ezeji of Edo Boys.

Transitioning to national team levels  should be uppermost on the minds of the students and the Nigeria Cricket Federation NCF.

To endorse the contribution of the Howzat Junior Cricket League to national teams’ growth is a board member of NCF Endurance Ofem who happens to be a product of the championship.

“We appreciate Howzat. We want everybody to be part of this story. And most importantly, school cricket is our story because it’s part of our developmental plan. We have the under 15 team, we have the under 17 team and from there we select our players for the under 19 or any Nigerian team,” Endurance highlighted.

Ansar Udeen Grammar School, Lagos State; Edo Boys High School, Edo State; Government College, Ibadan, Oyo State; Government Model Secondary School, Delta State; King’s College, Lagos; and St. John Senior Secondary School, Ogun State participated in the 24th edition of the Junior Super league.

Legendary Nigeria Cricketer Hangs Up Bat

After a remarkable career, spanning over 19 years, Onikoyi Ademola (P4), former captain and wicketkeeper of the Nigeria national men’s cricket team, has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Ademola, whose national debut for the senior team dates back to 2004, leaves behind a legacy of dedication, skill, and sportsmanship that has left an indelible mark on Nigerian cricket.

In his official statement, Ademola expressed his gratitude to all those who supported him throughout his illustrious career.

“It has been an honour and privilege to wear the country’s colours and represent our team,” said Ademola.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me on and off the field throughout my international playing career. From the coaches to teammates, families, friends, Nigeria Cricket Federation, fans, critics, supporters, cricket families, and well-wishers, I am forever thankful for the push throughout those long years of service to this wonderful nation, Nigeria.”

Ademola’s journey in cricket began at the junior level, where he honed his skills while playing for Methodist Boys High School.

In the ensuing years, he showcased his talent for various club sides and state teams, including those of Lagos and Kaduna State.

He suited up for clubs like Howzat Pioneers, Ibeju Lekki, St Gregory’s Old Boys Association, Simba, London Nigeria Cricket Club and Sheen Park C.C.

Ademola’s consistent performances and leadership qualities earned him recognition at both domestic and international levels.  

His retirement marks the end of an era in Nigerian cricket, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, Ademola expressed his commitment to carry the lessons learnt from cricket with him forever.

“Although I am closing this chapter of my life as a player, I will carry all the lessons learned with me forever,” Ademola said.

“I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to represent Nigeria, which I did with big pride on the cricket field.”

Nigeria Cricket Umpire Makes Giant Leap as Female Yellow Greens Climb ICC Rankings

Fast rising Nigeria cricket umpire Habib Enesi marked a significant milestone in his career as he reached 20th T20I appearance.

He earned the milestone during the 13th African Games semifinal match between Zimbabwe and Kenya today.

Throughout his career, Habib Enesi has earned respect and admiration from players, coaches, and fans alike for his impartiality, knowledge of the game, and ability to make accurate decisions under pressure.

Enesi made his debut in the T20i format during the match between Kenya and Uganda at Kigali on November 17, 2021.

In a significant development for Nigerian cricket, the country’s Female YellowGreens have made a commendable leap in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20I rankings.

Following recent performances, Nigeria moved up one spot, advancing from 27th to 26th position, edging past Rwanda in the rankings.

Nigeria Cricket Team Captain Calls Time on International Career

After earning 63 T20I caps for Nigeria, longest serving captain of the country’s women cricket team, Blessing Etim has  retired from the game.

The iconic player bowed out on a high after helping the Female Yellow Greens pick a bronze medal yesterday at the African Games in Ghana.

She was part of the first crop of female cricketers in the country following her entrance in 2011.

To continue her legacy in the national team are Esther Sandy, Salome Sunday and Sarah Etim all whom Blessing mentored.