The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has opened a new vista in pursuit of excellence in the sport with the introduction of the Nigeria Super League, which debuts on May 16

The NCF, yesterday, officially unveiled the franchise squads, captains, and coaching crews for the maiden edition of the two-week league, which will end on May 31, 2026.

The NCF said the NSL marks a defining moment for cricket development in the country, noting, “Created as a high-performance domestic franchise competition, the league is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s cricket structure by creating a clear pathway from grassroots development to international representation.”

The federation said that, for the first time, the league will allow Nigeria’s finest cricket talents to compete in a professionally structured franchise environment that combines elite competition, player development, fan engagement, and national pride.

NCF President, Uyi Akpata, described the NSL as a bold step toward raising the standard of domestic cricket while allowing emerging players to thrive on a bigger stage.

“The Nigeria Super League is not just another tournament. It is a platform built to inspire the next generation, sharpen elite talent, and position Nigerian cricket for greater international success,” he stated.

He disclosed that six competitive franchises will battle for glory in the inaugural edition, each led by experienced captains and supported by accomplished coaching teams.

The teams are the Central Eagles, which have such stars as Peter Aho (captain), Abdulrasheed Opeyemi, Chima Akachukwu, Emmanuel Boniface, Emmanuel Oladejo, Happy Bagshaw, Ifeanyichukwu Uboh, Kareem Ayoku, Moshood Muhammed, Prosper Useni, Samson Adebayo, Selim Salau and Warees Azeez. The team has Ademola Onikoyi as their head coach, who is being assisted by Friday Udoh.

There is also the Eastern Elephants, led by Skipper Taiwo Mohammed. Other players in the team are Abdulramah Jimoh, Chigemezu Ibe, Chimezie Ejiofor, Femi Oresanwo, Gafar Kareem, Izuchukwu Bonaventure Okeke, Oluwatosin Joseph Onoshagbe, Paul Pam, Rahmon Ali, Ridwanullahi Muhammed, Toluwalase Dada and Victor Onome  Ipoli, with Coach John Tamuno and Efosa Aghahowa leading the technical crew.

Other teams in the league are Middle Belt Tigers featuring Suliamon Runsuwe (captain), David Ankrah, Eghosa Destiny Aghedo, Elijah Olaleye, Elochukwu Ndubudem, Ewere Osaigbohan, Folajuwon Ogunnaike, Pelumi Orimolade, Rasheed Abolarin, Samuel Mba, Shina Awodele, Solomon Chilemanya and Unity Ogboe, led by Coach Daniel Gim and Azeez Salako; Northern Lions led by Sylvester Okpe (captain), Akere Isesele, Daniel Balogun, Elijah Saturday, Eweka Ogbemudia, Hossana Omonikhobio, Isaac Onyemgba, Miracle Solomon, Mubarak Beki, Okasha Isiaku, Reigneth Osagie, Ridwan Abdulkareem and Selim Mogaji, with Seye Olympio and Onome Oghenekevwe leading the technical crew.

The Southern Sharks, captained by Isaac Okpe, is also in the league with such other players as Abdulahi Ismail, Ayeni Precious, Bright Edem Nyong, Durotoye Gideon, Isaac Danladi, Ismail Shittu, Kenneth Boniface, Kofoworola Lukman, Odion Isesele, Osein Shonibare, Paul Eboka and Peculiar Egemasi. The team is coached by
Seyi Sonde and Jamal Okechukwu (assistant coach).

There is also the Western Dolphins, which is coached by Oyede Leke and Justin Okere (assistant coach). The players in the squad are Vincent Adewoye (captain), Bilal Akerele, Chiemelie Udekwe, David Abiebhode, Destiny Chilemanya, Favour Okoro, Joshua Asia, Jubril Abdullahi, Kingsley Uduak, Muheez Animashaun, Nzube Nwokike, Oluwaseyi David Adegboye and Sesan Adedeji.

Uyi said that the NSL is programmed to create a stronger and more organised national player development pathway, improve the technical and competitive standards of domestic cricket, expose players to a professional franchise system and discover and develop future stars for the national teams.