By IJEOMA OKIGBO

No fewer than 1,000 players are expected to feature in the sixth edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF/) Under 17 national zonal qualification, sponsored by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).

Musa Ehizoje, the tournament coordinator, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, that all is set for the tournament beginning from Saturday across the six geo political zones.

Ehijoze said that the competition has grown to become the biggest age grade tournament in West Africa, providing the right pathway for the next generation of superstars.

“We all are still basking in the euphoria from the exploits by the Nigerian team at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia and this is the best time to organise the Under 17 tournament.

“It is worthy to note that it was this tournament that gave rise to talents we saw at the world cup, so this is another avenue to discover and nurture more talents for the country.

“This time, we are expecting about 1,088 participants in the qualifiers,’’ Ehizoje said.

The coordinator also reeled out successes recorded in the tournament in the last five years.

“The last five editions witnessed a significant expansion in the number of participating states.

“The first edition had 19 states participating in the boy’s category and 15 states in the girl’s category in 2019.

“The tournament did not hold in 2020 due to COVID-19 but there was a slight increase in 2021 with 21 states and 17 states participating in the boys and girl’s category respectively.

“In 2022, 25 states featured for boys and 21 for girls.

“In 2023 and 2024, the numbers increased to 33 states participating in the boy’s event while 29 registered for the girl’s category.

“The year 2025 is looking to set a new record of participation with Yobe, Adamawa and Bauchi, from the North East making a debut.

“Also, Benue, that has never taken part in the tournament, will be featuring a male team for the first time as the North Central qualifiers is scheduled to hold in FCT.

“Meanwhile, states from North West and North East will travel to Kaduna and Borno for the qualifiers while South South zone will be hosted by Delta.

“Ebonyi will welcome the South Eastern states while South West states will do battle in Lagos,’’ Ehizoje added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winner of each zone will represent the zone in the finals billed from Feb. 18, in Abuja.

However, the winning team is expected to pick one or two good players from each of the other teams in the zone to boost their squad for the finals. (NAN)

•Tournament coordinator, sixth edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF/) Under 17 national zonal qualification, Musa Ehizoje