Middle-Belt Tigers Crowned Inaugural Nigeria Super League Champions
Oru Leonard
Middle-Belt Tigers Crowned Inaugural Nigeria Super League Champions
LAGOS, Nigeria – Middle-Belt Tigers have etched their names into Nigerian cricket history after emerging champions of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Super League, defeating Southern Sharks by six runs in a thrilling final at the TBS Cricket Oval, Lagos.
The championship match brought the curtain down on the inaugural franchise-based cricket competition, which featured 20 matches and showcased some of the country’s finest cricket talents.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Tigers posted a competitive 104/5 in their allotted 10 overs. Solomon Chilemanya provided an explosive start with 17 runs off seven deliveries, including two sixes and a boundary, while Olaleye Olayinka Elijah contributed 21 runs from 14 balls.
David N.A. Ankrah played a decisive late innings cameo, scoring 22 off just 10 deliveries with three sixes, while Eghosa Aghedo Destiny remained unbeaten on 19 to help the Tigers surpass the 100-run mark.
In pursuit of 105 for victory, Southern Sharks mounted a spirited challenge led by Isesele Odion Evangel, who scored 26 runs off 21 balls. Captain Isaac Okpe added 15 off seven deliveries, while Kenneth Boniface and Durotoye Gideon also chipped in with valuable runs.
Despite the Sharks’ determined chase, Middle-Belt Tigers maintained their composure in the closing stages, restricting their opponents to 98/7 to secure a memorable six-run victory and the league title.
The Tigers’ bowling attack proved decisive, with Ndubudem Elochukwu David returning figures of 2/14 in two overs. Awodele Shina also claimed two wickets, while captain Runsewe Sulaimon and Ankrah picked up one wicket each.
The victory sealed Middle-Belt Tigers’ place as the first-ever champions of the Nigeria Super League, completing an impressive campaign marked by consistency and resilience.
Earlier, Northern Lions secured third place after defeating Central Eagles by 32 runs in the playoff match. Batting first in the five-over contest, Northern Lions posted 60/3, powered by Elijah Saturday Jimmy’s explosive 15 off five balls and an unbeaten 18 from Akhere Isesele.
Central Eagles struggled in response and were restricted to 28/7 as Northern Lions’ bowlers dominated proceedings. Okasha Isiyaku claimed two wickets, while Beki Mubarak Kehinde and captain Okpe Sylvester also grabbed two wickets each.
Speaking after the tournament, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Mr. Uyi Akpata, hailed the success of the competition and its significance for the development of the sport.
He said the league had exceeded expectations, noting that it provided a platform for emerging talents while strengthening domestic cricket structures across the country.
Chairman of the Nigeria Super League Local Organising Committee, Seun Odeku, described the maiden edition as a major success and expressed confidence that future editions would be bigger and more competitive.
Individual honours at the tournament saw Solomon Chilemanya of Middle-Belt Tigers emerge Best Batter with 172 runs in eight innings, while teammate Ndubudem Elochukwu David claimed the Best Bowler award after taking 14 wickets.
Ridwan Kareem of Northern Lions was named Best Fielder, Ismail Abdullahi of Southern Sharks received the Outstanding Young Player award, while Isaac Danladi of Southern Sharks was crowned the Most Valuable Player after recording 168 runs and 13 wickets in seven innings.
Final Standings
Middle-Belt Tigers – Champions
Southern Sharks – Runners-up
Northern Lions – Third Place
The successful staging of the inaugural Nigeria Super League is widely seen as a significant milestone in the continued growth and professionalisation of cricket in Nigeria.
