The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the Nigeria Super League following two intense elimination-stage encounters at the TBS Cricket Oval, Lagos.

Southern Sharks secured the first spot in the final after defeating Middle-Belt Tigers by 17 runs in a rain-shortened contest. Batting first, the Sharks posted 85/6 in 13 overs, with Durotoye Gideon top-scoring with 27 runs, while Danladi Isaac added a brisk 13 runs to help set a competitive total.

In response, the Middle-Belt Tigers put up a spirited fight but were eventually bowled out for 68 in 11.3 overs.

Captain Runsewe Sulaimon led the resistance with a fighting 19 runs, but the Sharks’ bowling attack proved decisive.

Danladi Isaac delivered a match-winning spell of three wickets, while Akhigbe Miracle supported admirably with two wickets to guide Southern Sharks into the final.

The Middle-Belt Tigers, however, bounced back strongly in the second eliminator to claim the remaining final spot with a convincing six-wicket victory over the Central Eagles. The Eagles posted 98/9 in 20 overs, led by Mohammed Moshood’s 32 and Chima Akachukwu’s 26.

The Tigers chased the target in 17.2 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 38 from captain Runsewe Sulaimon and a valuable 24 not out from Ndubudem Elochukwu David, sealing their passage to the championship match.

Earlier in the elimination round, the Central Eagles edged the Northern Lions by seven runs in another closely fought contest. Chima Akachukwu led the batting effort with 30 runs, while Peter Aho starred with the ball, taking three wickets to help defend a total of 83.

Attention now shifts to Finals Day on Saturday, 30 May 2026, at the TBS Cricket Oval, Lagos. The third-place playoff will see the Northern Lions face the Central Eagles at 10:00 AM, before the Southern Sharks and Middle-Belt Tigers contest the Nigeria Super League Final at 1:30 PM.

The Nigeria Super League promises a grand finish as the race for the title reaches its climax.