By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Cricket Association, has commenced a secondary schools’ zonal cricket championship aimed at strengthening grassroots talent development in Ebonyi State.
The tournament began on Friday at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, with organisers noting that the initiative is designed to enhance early talent identification and create a structured pathway for young athletes.
Ebonyi SWAN Chairman, Ndubuisi Nwogha, described the championship as a major step in the development of cricket in the state, stressing that the sport is gradually gaining prominence and identity.
He said the association, alongside relevant stakeholders and with government support, remains committed to sustaining programmes that will ensure the long-term growth of the game.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Emeka Opara, said the competition was introduced to bridge the gap between secondary school competitions and higher-level participation, adding that it is structured to discover and groom young players capable of representing the state and the country in the future.
The tournament features zonal qualifiers across Ebonyi North, South and Central senatorial districts, with winners advancing to a state final expected to attract top government officials, including Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Organisers added that outstanding players from the championship may be considered for scholarships and possible national team selection.
On the opening day, matches in both male and female categories produced closely contested results.
In the boys’ category, Saints High School, Abakaliki defeated Trinity Secondary School, Iboko after chasing down a target in the final over, while Trinity Secondary School, Abakaliki recorded a win over Saints High School.
In the girls’ category, Trinity Secondary School, Abakaliki edged Saints High School, Abakaliki by one run, while Trinity Secondary School, Iboko secured a comfortable victory over Saints High School.
The championship continues with zonal fixtures leading to the state final, as stakeholders aim to build a sustainable pipeline for cricket development in Ebonyi State.
Members of the cricket delegation, led by Jeff Ugwu, alongside other stakeholders including the State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Idike; the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor, represented by his vice, Moses Erogu; and the Director-General of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), Comrade Tony Nwizi, delivered goodwill messages, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent across various sports for national development.