By: Tunji Okunlola
The Middle Belt Tigers etched their names into Nigerian cricket history on Saturday, defeating the Southern Sharks by six runs in a pulsating grand finale at the TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos to claim the inaugural Nigeria Super League title.
In a championship clash that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final delivery, the Tigers posted a competitive 104/5 from their 10 overs before holding their nerve in the field to restrict the Sharks to 98/7.
Solomon Chilemanya set the tone with a blistering 17 off seven balls including two sixes before Olayinka Elijah brought composure to the innings with 21 off 14 deliveries. The late onslaught came from David Ankrah, whose 22 off just 10 balls, featuring three towering sixes, helped the Tigers cross the century mark. Eghosa Aghedo Destiny rounded off the innings with an unbeaten 19.
Chasing 105, the Sharks mounted a spirited pursuit. Isesele Odion Evangel top-scored with 26 off 21 balls, and captain Isaac Okpe provided a spark with 15 off seven. Despite contributions from Kenneth Boniface and Durotoye Gideon keeping the chase alive deep into the final over, the Tigers held firm.
Ndubudem Elochukwu David led the bowling with figures of 2 for 14, while Awodele Shina also took two wickets. Captain Runsewe Sulaimon and Ankrah chipped in with one apiece to seal the victory.
Earlier in the day, Northern Lions claimed third place with a commanding 32-run win over Central Eagles in a five-over playoff. Elijah Saturday Jimmy’s 15 off five balls and an unbeaten 18 from Akhere Isesele powered the Lions to 60/3, before a disciplined bowling display headlined by two wickets each from Okasha Isiyaku, Beki Mubarak Kehinde, and captain Okpe Sylvester skittled the Eagles for just 28/7.
The maiden edition of the Nigeria Super League featured 20 matches across all four teams and was widely regarded as a landmark moment for the sport in the country.
Nigeria Cricket Federation President Uyi Akpata described the competition as a significant step forward. “The Nigeria Super League has exceeded expectations in its inaugural edition,” he said. “This league is a major step forward in our vision to strengthen domestic cricket, provide a pathway for emerging talents, and position Nigeria strongly on the global cricket map.”
League organising committee chairman Seun Odeku was equally bullish about the road ahead. “This is only the beginning,” he said. “We are already looking ahead to the next edition, which we believe will be bigger, more competitive, and more impactful for cricket development across the country.”
Tags: #Nigeria Super League 2026 #Middle Belt Tigers