The North East Under-17 Cricket Championship kicked off in Maiduguri, Borno State, with Team Borno defeating Team Gombe by 62 runs in the opening match.

The tournament, hosted by the Borno State Cricket Association in collaboration with the Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF), is witnessing the participation of all six North East states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.

“For the first time in the history of this competition, all the invited states are participating in the boys’ category,” said Mustapha Mohammed, Regional Development Officer (RDO) for the North East zone.

He expressed disappointment that only Taraba State was represented in the girls’ category.

“One hundred and forty-four participants are on the ground for a three-day zonal elimination game,” Mohammed added.

“The final will take place in Abuja after one week.”

Honourable Usman Ibrahim Danjuma, Chairman of the Borno State Cricket Association and Chief Host of the Local Organising Committee, welcomed the participating teams and acknowledged the support of the Borno State Commissioner of Police in providing accommodation and playing facilities for the tournament.

“I call for cooperation among the development officers, most especially in tackling the issue of using over-age players,” Danjuma urged.

“Considering the fact that the game is in a developing stage, only under-17 players should be allowed to play for the progress of the game and the importance of grassroots sports.”

Concerns about the use of over-age players were also raised by Malam Hassan Dauda, Chairman of the Yobe State Cricket Association, and Usman Musa Yawale, who led the Bauchi State delegation.

The tournament continues with matches scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

The winners from each zone will then proceed to the national level of the competition in Abuja.