10 Secondary Schools Kick Off Ebonyi’s Maiden Cricket Tournament
From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
No fewer than 10 secondary schools drawn from the three senatorial districts of Ebonyi State are participating in the ongoing maiden edition of the Ebonyi Zonal Cricket Competition.
The Competition commenced on Friday.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Comrade Chukwuemeka Opara, made this known during a press conference held on Thursday.
He assured stakeholders that the competition would meet internationally accepted standards.
According to him, “This is the first time such a competition is being organised in Ebonyi State by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, in collaboration with the State Cricket Association.
“The maiden competition is designed to discover and nurture young talents who will be further developed for participation in international clubs and eventual inclusion in the national team. It will meet the required international standards in both gameplay and officiating. Certified umpires from the Nigeria Cricket Association will oversee matches.”
Opara further expressed appreciation to Dr. Chika Okoro, the South-East Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Cricket Association, for providing essential equipment for the tournament.
“We remain grateful to Dr. Okoro, who, as of this moment, is the sole sponsor of this maiden edition. The tournament, which began on Friday, is expected to run for three days,” he added.
Participating schools include Government Secondary School, Afikpo; Amuro Ngbo Secondary School, Afikpo; Sir Francis Akanu-Ibiam Secondary School, Afikpo; Agba Girls Secondary School, Ishielu; All Saints Secondary School; and Trinity Secondary School, among others.
Insideoutnewsng.com gathered that national female cricket player Mbam Heritha, alongside several other notable figures in the sport, is expected to grace the event.
In the boys’ category, Trinity Secondary School, Abakaliki, recorded a victory over Saint High School. In another match, Saint High School secured a win against Trinity Secondary School, Iboko, in Izzi Local Government Area.
In the girls’ category, Trinity Secondary School, Abakaliki, also triumphed over Saint High School.
The tournament is expected to conclude next week.
