Ebonyi girls are winners of 11th Chuma Anosike Cup
By Akanimo Kufre
Ebonyi female cricket team on Thursday final showed class and style as they defeated two-time finalist and current defending champions, Anambra by 39 runs.
It was an interesting finals at Umuahia Township Stadium and a repeat of rivalry between three consecutive finalists since 2018. Ebonyi won the toss and batted 103 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.
The Ebonyi Queens from the first over gave a full-throttle batting. Purisima Igwe made 32 runs, Sylvia Odom 22 runs while the golden girl of the tournament Miracle Nwigboji played only 8 runs. Miracle notwithstanding has the tournament’s biggest runs of 108 in 5 innings.
Anambra Angels in the second innings had to chase 104 runs but were technically slowed down by the deadly bowling squad from Ebonyi. Led by Nigeria’s newest discovery, Lilian Ude, who took one wicket followed by Henrietta, Rebecca, Rejoice while Faith was the only bowler without a wicket as Ebonyi decimated arc rivals Anambra.
It was a delight for Barr. ANOSIKE to see the girls improve their cricket game with grace.
“Ebonyi set up a formidable total, they have improved in their batting and fielding. Also, display a good deal of energy in batting and fielding. At this point, you find that the team with the greatest desire win. It was a good tournament am happy about it.” Barr. Chuma Anosike observed.
For the special guest of honour at the Southeast cricket event, NCF President, Mr Uyi Akpata, the 11th edition of Chuma Anosike was another avenue to harvest Nigeria’s surplus cricket talents.
“Cricket talents abound around the country, it is just for us to continue to create the right platform for them to thrive.
” Anytime we have a strong governance process, and have stakeholders who are providing the right leadership, success thrives. The South Eastern States have come together to establish that framework to have this competition.
Mr Akpata gave much kudos to the organisation and players for upholding the spirit of cricket in grand style.
