The 2nd edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) President’s Cup wrapped up thrillingly at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval in Lagos, with all three teams, Warriors, Eagles, and Kings, finishing the round-robin stage with one win apiece. Ultimately, it was the Warriors who emerged as champions, edging out the others on Net Run Rate (NRR) after three highly competitive encounters.
Match Summaries
Match 1: Warriors vs Eagles
• Toss: Warriors XI won the toss and elected to field.
• Eagles : 71 all out in 16.1 overs
• Warriors : 72/6 in 13 overs
• Result: Warriors won by 4 wickets.
The tournament opened with a low-scoring contest as the Eagles crumbled under pressure, posting just 71. Warriors chased down the target despite some late hiccups, claiming the first points of the competition.
Match 2: Warriors vs Kings
• Toss: Kings won the toss and elected to bat.
• Kings: 105/7 in 16.1 overs
• Warriors: 86/7 in 13 overs
• Result: Kings won by 19 runs.
Kings put up a strong display in their first match of the series against the Warriors, posting a competitive 105 before restricting the opposition to 86. The result kept the competition wide open.
Match 3: Kings vs Eagles
• Toss: Kings XI elected to bat.
• Kings : 138/5 in 20 overs
• Eagles: 139/4 in 18.4 overs
• Result: Eagles won by 6 wickets.
Chasing 139, Eagles put up a clinical batting display with solid partnerships to seal victory with 8 balls to spare, ensuring each team in the tournament finished with one win apiece.
With all teams tied on points at the end of the one-leg round-robin phase, the title was decided by Net Run Rate (NRR). Warriors topped the standings, thanks to their dominant victory in Match 1 and competitive performance in Match 2.
Individual Awards
Best Batter: Elijah Saturday Jimmy – 57 runs across two innings, showing consistency and class with the bat.
Best Bowler: Azeez Warees – A standout performance, grabbing 5 wickets in two matches.
Best Fielder: Mohammed Moshood – A livewire in the field with 4 dismissals (catches/run-outs), impacting crucial moments.
MVP of the Tournament: Danladi Isaac – For his all-around contributions and game-changing presence across matches.
The President’s Cup continues to serve as a platform for elite-level performance and selection opportunities, showcasing the depth of talent in Nigeria’s cricket landscape. The 2nd edition not only entertained but also provided critical match-time experience for players ahead of upcoming international engagements.
As the curtain falls on the 2025 President’s Cup, the NCF celebrates another successful chapter in its domestic cricket development journey.
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Dr. Uyi Akpata, commended the teams for their spirit of competition and discipline. He noted that the President’s Cup is a key part of the NCF’s domestic strategy to enhance performance readiness, identify future national team prospects, and foster high-level competition within the country.
“We are impressed by the talent on display and the commitment from the players and coaches. Tournaments like this continue to build the bridge between grassroots development and national team excellence,” Dr. Akpata stated.
With Nigeria preparing for key international assignments, the President’s Cup has served as a vital preparation ground. The NCF remains committed to using such platforms to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in global cricket.