Borno State has successfully hosted the sixth edition of the Cricket Zonal qualification in a four-day tournament in Maiduguri.

The event held at the Nigerian Police College field in Maiduguri came to a close on Thursday, with Team Adamawa emerging as the champions in the boys’ category and Team Gombe taking top honours in the female category.

A final match between the Adamawa State Cricket team and the Taraba State Cricket team in the boys’ category marked the climax of the tournament.

Team Gombe Cricket emerged as the winners in the female category, with Team Borno State coming in second and qualifying for the national tournament.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Usman Ibrahim Danjuma, while congratulating the Borno state government for a successful conclusion, called on the Nigerian Cricket Federation to ensure that only young and screened athletes participate in future competitions.

“It is important that only youngsters within the age limit and properly screened are allowed to participate in any future events.” Said Danjuma

Danjuma also urged participating states to use this year’s tournament as a challenge to improve their cricket teams.

Regional Development Officer Mustapha Mohammed thanked the organisers and players while praying for their safe return to their respective states.

SP Ali Abdullahi, representing the Commissioner of Police, thanked the organisers for using the Nigerian Police College field and assured them of readiness to host more events.

The tournament saw teams from Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, and Gombe states participate in the boys’ category, while Taraba, Bauchi, Yobe, and Adamawa were represented in the female category.