Nigeria wins Maiden 2023 West Africa Little League Tournament

Posted : 17 April 2023

Lagos, April 15, 2023 (NAN) Nigeria's representative at the maiden West Africa Little League tournament and Lagos-based Adekalu Bull are dominant winners of the 4-day tournament as they won the Baseball and Softball categories respectively.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adekalu Bull warded off oppositions from two African Countries, Republic of Benin and Cote D'Ivorie and other four Nigerian teams to emerged champions.

However, Team Benin Republic came second, while Team Cote D'Ivoire came third in the Baseball category.

In the Softball category, Adekalu Bulls are champions while Lagos-based Team Rak Angels came second and Team Yenogoa came third.

The 4-day tournament was held at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.

The Tournament Director, Kehinde Laniyan said that the Maiden West Africa Little League tournament had been able to bring together Baseball and Junior Softball teams, players and officials from the West Africa.

``This tournament was approved by the Little League International in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, U.S.A which is part of the international tournament play and this is an historic moment as Nigeria played host to other West African countries here in Lagos.

``It is interesting that Republic of Benin, Cote D'Ivoire and Nigeria are fully represented and they have shown the world that Baseball and Softball games in Africa is fast developing.

``I herewith acknowledge our sponsors, Transcorp Inc. First Bank, Lassena Waters, and Winning Edge Marketing Services.

``I also acknowledge the support of Prof Ndi Okereke-Onyuike and others in the last 30 years, also Suv. Ade Taiwo, Armstrong Ogwuiche and others,'' he said.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Intergovernmental Relations and Special Duties, Omobolaji Ogunlende commended the officials for keeping the flag of the game flying Inspite of its status as little known in Nigeria.

``The officials have really tried in keeping the flag flying, when we talk to some people about Baseball/Softball, they hardly understand the game.

``However, this is a game that should be made popular in Nigeria because it is popular is other advanced countries, so we have a duty to make to ensure adequate sponsorship of the game.

``We need to take the game far and near and discover young ones that can play the game because we are already passing our prime,'' he said.

A former, Director General of Nigeria Stock and Security Exchange, Prof Ndi Okereke-Onyuike in her addressed said that she was now obsessed with the sport.

Prof Okereke-Onyuike however challenged the officials of the game to be up and doing while she pledged her uptmost support to their programmes.

``Now that I am retired I will devote more of my time to be the one to look for sponsors for Baseball/Softball programmes.

``I will start dusting up my contacts to seek for sponsorships for the game while the administrators are busy giving the directions,'' he said.

NAN reports that
Major General Ishola Williams retired was decorated as the Grand Patron of the Little League, while Prof Okereke-Onyuike was decorated as the Grand Matron of the tournament.

Adekalu Bulls' Nwanchuku emerged as the Best Pitcher of the tournament, Jordan from Republic of Benin emerged the Best Fielder, while Ebuka Edokobi emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Baseball category
In the Softball Joyce Ogbu from Adekalu Bulls carted both Best Fielder and MVP awards.

NAN also reports that Adekalu Bulls and Team Republic of Benin will represent Africa at the Africa-European Little League in Poland in Baseball while Adekalu Bulls and Team Yenogoa will represent Africa at the Softball contest. (NAN)

Nigeria wins Maiden 2023 West Africa Little League Tournament

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics