Lagos set to host maiden West Africa U-18 Baseball Tournament

Posted : 14 August 2024

Robert Onwuke, the Acting Secretary-General of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA), has assured that Nigeria will benefit from baseball development by hosting the inaugural West Africa U-18 Baseball Tournament.

Onwuke provided this assurance on Tuesday during an exclusive interview while reflecting on the preparations to host the first edition of the competition.

The inaugural baseball tournament will be held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS) at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos, on August 17 and 18.

Qualifiers from the four-nation tournament will compete in the continental competition against teams from the other two regions in Africa – East and Southern Africa.

The countries expected in Lagos for the two-day tournament are Tunisia, Ghana, Benin Republic, and host Nigeria.

Onwuke expressed his excitement that Nigeria was selected to host the regional competition.

He added that the tournament would create more awareness about the game among Nigerian youths interested in the sport.

He also mentioned that the event would further boost the development of baseball in the West African region.

“This is the third time we are hosting a regional baseball tournament in Nigeria as an association, but previously, we have hosted the Little League version twice.

“This time, we are hosting the regional competition for Baseball Fives for the first time, marking a significant shift.

“There are two approved types, outdoor and indoor; we chose to hold the inaugural edition indoors because of the weather.

“What we expect to see during this tournament is the true potential of baseball in our country,” he said.

According to Onwuke, baseball is a sport that offers immense opportunities to the youth.

“Baseball is a game where every player performs at their highest level; all players must be at their best, with no room for slack.

“It is also a sport that promotes gender balance and provides opportunities to steer our youths away from the streets.

“This tournament represents a significant agenda from the global baseball and softball body to promote regional competitions.

“Other regions in Africa have had their own tournaments; there was one in East Africa and similarly in South Africa, where over six countries participated,” he said.

The Acting Secretary-General added, “Team Nigeria is well-prepared for this tournament.

“We have sourced the best players from competitions held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“Our Technical Department established a camp in Ilorin where the players selected for the national assignment trained.

“The players now have a deeper understanding of the game and are ready to compete against other West African countries.

“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about growing the game in West Africa and giving our young athletes the chance to shine,” he said.

Lagos set to host maiden West Africa U-18 Baseball Tournament

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics