The South-East stunned cricket watchers at the weekend when its boys’ and girls’ teams dominated the seventh PWC Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) National U-17 Cricket Championship sponsored.

The thrilling one-week event held at the NCF Pitch, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, saw the best of the country’s emerging talents from the six geopolitical zones delivering several days of intense competition, remarkable individual performances, and dramatic finishes.

Against all expectations, the South-East girls began the zones dominance of the championship by beating the higher-rated South South by three wickets in a low-scoring encounter that tested nerves, discipline, and resilience.

After winning the toss and electing to field, South East’s bowling unit set the tone early. Ude Sunshine Amarachi produced a standout performance, claiming two wickets for just nine runs in four overs, while Okpe Chisome complemented the effort with two wickets for 16 runs, keeping South South under sustained pressure.

Despite the tight bowling, Okonkwo Precious anchored the South South innings with a composed 22 not out off 26 balls, supported by Ejike Prestige (13) and Okpara Treasure (12), guiding their team to 96/6 in 20 overs.

The chase began on shaky ground for South East, who found themselves in serious trouble at 51/7 after 12 overs as Ejike Prestige (2/17) and Olisejioku Victory (2/21) threatened to turn the contest in South South’s favour.

However, Oko Theresa delivered a match-winning performance under immense pressure, scoring a patient 33 runs off 46 balls. Alongside Ude Sunshine Amarachi (11), the pair steadied the innings and guided South East to 98/7 in 18.4 overs, sealing the championship title and sparking jubilant celebrations.

Earlier in the day, the third-place playoff between North West girls and their South West counterparts produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament.

Batting first, North West struggled against a disciplined South West bowling attack.

Ezekiel Mary (12 off 35) and Isijola Shalom (18 off 17) were the main contributors as North West posted 84/9 in 20 overs.

South West bowlers Azeez Kehinde Oyinkansola (3/16) and Akinola Eniola (2/19) were instrumental in dismantling the North West lineup.

The chase proved equally dramatic. With South West reeling at 71/9, needing 14 runs with just one wicket remaining, the unlikely pair of Azeez Kehinde Oyinkansola (5 off 30) and Akinola Eniola (10 off 19) held their nerve.

In a remarkable display of composure, the duo guided their side to 86/9 in 19.3 overs, securing a 1-wicket victory and a well-earned podium finish for the South West.

In the boys’ final, the South East showcased tactical discipline and bowling strength to defeat South West by 23 runs, sealing a historic double triumph for the region.

Batting first, South-East posted 145 all out in 36.5 overs, with captain Ejiofor Chiemezie (18 off 32) leading from the front. Okoye Obinna’s unbeaten 22 off 20 balls provided a crucial late flourish, while Ojo David C (18) and Ibe Chigamezu Michael (15) made key contributions.

South-West captain Peter Isari spearheaded the bowling attack with three wickets for 29 runs, supported by Eboka Paul, Oladejo Emmanuel, and Orimolade Pelumi, who each claimed two wickets.

Chasing 146, South West struggled to build sustained partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 122 in 32 overs, despite Balogun Daniel and Oladejo Emmanuel each scoring 25 runs.

The bronze medal went to South South, who were officially awarded third place, based on their superior Net Run Rate (NRR) accumulated during the knockout rounds, reflecting their consistent performance throughout the tournament.

At the end of the competition, North-East’s Useni Mustapha was named the Best Behaved Player (Boys), while Princewill Chigozie from South South won the Most Promising Player award.

South East’s Ejiofor Chimezie won the Best Fielder award, with South West’s Peter Isari winning the Best Bowler gong, just as South-West’s Balogun Daniel was named the Best Batter, while the Most Valuable Player award went to South East’s Echem Chukwuemeka.

In the girls’ category, Jemima Usman was named as the Most Promising Player at the championship, with the Best Fielder award going to Oni Oluwa Damilola of the South West.

South-West’s Azeez Kehinde won the Best Bowler award, while the Best Batter crown went Ezeali Godsgift of the South East, while the MVP award went to Okpe Chizome of the South East.