Edo State’s sports ambitions scored a new milestone on Sunday as Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Charity Amanyaevbo, officially flagged off the Edo State Indoor Cricket Complex in Benin City.
The commissioning coincided with the grand finale of the 2025 Edo State Female Cricket League, earning commendations from the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, for its impact on grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.
In a statement released through his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described the tournament as “another major step in grassroots sports development” and “the true foundation of Edo’s growing sporting excellence.” He applauded Governor Okpebholo for fostering an environment where sports thrive, noting that Edo has become “a sporting hub in Nigeria, hosting viable tournaments that nurture young talents for national and international glory.”
Highlighting cricket’s rise in the state, Enabulele recalled Edo’s strong performances in national competitions such as the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games, where state athletes have consistently won gold medals. “We’re deliberately investing in sports beyond football. Cricket is one of those with huge potential, and we’re determined to keep catching them young,” he said.
He also praised Dr. Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), and other stakeholders for their dedication to growing cricket in Edo and across Nigeria.
The finals drew top sports personalities and officials, including Hon. Charity Amanyaevbo; Hon. Donald Okogbe, Chairman, EDHA Committee on Sports; Dr. Uyi Akpata; and senior members of the Edo State Sports Commission.
At Edo Boys High School’s High-Performance Centre, the third-place playoff saw Adolor Amazons beat Ekpoma Supernova, reaching the 28-run target in 4.5 overs. Player of the Match, Adekunle Shola, excelled both with ball and bat, taking a wicket and scoring 4 runs off 7 balls with an economy rate of 1.00.
The rain-interrupted final between Emotan Queens and Idia Royals CC ended with Emotan Queens declared champions, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
The highlight of the event was the official flag-off of the Edo State Indoor Cricket Complex by Hon. Charity Amanyaevbo on behalf of Governor Okpebholo. He lauded the cricket leadership for creating a project that promotes youth development through sports and promised continued government support. “This initiative is very special to our people, and we will continue to consolidate it for the progress of Edo youths,” she said.
Dr. Uyi Akpata spoke on the tournament’s success, noting that 15 to 20 Edo players are now involved in national teams. He revealed that the league has expanded from four teams at its inception to over 25 this year, with plans to grow to at least 60 cricket centres across the state. “The growth of cricket in Edo has been phenomenal. Our players shine nationally and internationally, and this facility will strengthen that momentum,” he said.
Akpata also highlighted Nigeria’s national cricket team as the youngest in Africa, with an average age of 22, and noted Nigeria’s current sixth-place ranking in the Under-19 World Championship. He described the indoor facility as a fulfilled promise, vital for high-performance training, year-round development, and attracting cricketers from across Africa, boosting Edo State’s sports tourism.
Outstanding players were recognised during the league:
Best Batter: Salome Sunday – ₦30,000 (50 runs, average 5.5)
Best Bowler: Glory Idiahi – ₦30,000 (Economy 1.93)
Best Fielder: Agbonya Peculiar – ₦30,000
Best Behaved Player: Miracle Umukoro – ₦30,000
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Lucky Piety – ₦50,000
Team prizes were awarded as follows:
3rd Place: Adolor Amazons – ₦250,000
2nd Place: Idia Royals CC – ₦350,000
Champions: Emotan Queens – ₦500,000
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