Batting for Glory: Players Hail Nigeria Women’s T20i Invitational as Gateway to Growth

By Ade Oluwa, Lagos

Excitement is building among participating athletes at the ongoing fifth edition of the Nigeria Women’s Invitational T20i tournamentscribing the competition as a vital avenue for skill development, exposure, and international experience.

The event, tagged the Patricia Kambarami Cup, is organised in memory of the late ICC Africa Regional Development Manager and Titans Chief Operating Officer, whose contributions to cricket development across the continent remain widely recognised.

Speaking in separate interviews at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, players from different countries shared their impressions of the tournament, praising its organisation and competitive standard.

Captain of Nigeria’s women’s cricket team, Lucky Piety, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the competition, noting that it provides a strong platform for players and teams to improve.

According to her, the tournament has created room for learning and healthy competition among participating nations.

“It has been an exciting experience so far. Every team here is gaining something valuable, and for us, it’s also about enjoying the game while improving,” she said.

Piety reaffirmed Nigeria’s ambition to clinch the title, stressing that the team is determined to make the country proud.

“Our goal is clear — we want to win and give Nigerians another moment of joy, similar to what the U-19 team achieved,” she added.

But she noted that the tournament’s strong teams would make winning the trophy difficult.

“There are strong opponents here with the same ambition. We are approaching each match carefully and staying focused on our targets,” she said.

South Africa’s Filander Jae-Leigh also commended the tournament, describing it as both enjoyable and culturally enriching.

“It’s been a wonderful experience competing here in Nigeria. Beyond cricket, I’m enjoying the environment and learning about the culture,” she said.

She added that her team remains committed to executing its strategies effectively in pursuit of success.

“We’re concentrating on our game plan and aiming to finish strong in the competition,” she noted.

For Zimbabwe’s Bethei Zinyama, the tournament has offered a blend of fun and learning, highlighting the importance of international exposure.

“We’re enjoying ourselves and picking up new ideas from other teams. It’s a wonderful platform to grow,” she said.

Zinyama explained that her focus is on improving her performance and gaining wider recognition through participation.

The tournament, which kicked off on Friday, is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, March 29, at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, with teams battling for top honours in what has already proven to be a thrilling contest.

Lagos Hosts Inaugural Schools Tennis Championship as Young Talents Shine

By Ade Oluwa, Lagos

The first edition of the Nigeria Tennis Live (NTL) Lagos Secondary Schools Championship kicked off on Thursday, drawing more than 100 student-athletes from across the state in a vibrant display of youthful talent.

The three-day tournament features participants from about 50 secondary schools and takes place at the Mainland Tennis Club within the National Theatre complex in Surulere. The competition is scheduled to run through Saturday, offering a platform for emerging players to compete and develop their skills.

Early matches delivered exciting performances, with Oluwatishe Ogungbade securing a straight-sets victory over Desmond Sikiru, while Daniel Israel comfortably overcame Godwin Fortune. Tobi Taiye also recorded a convincing win against David Awani, as Oluwajare Farinre and David Usoh triumphed in their respective encounters.

The organisers claim that the championship aims to identify promising young players and offer them opportunities for growth through competitive exposure. The initiative also seeks to strengthen grassroots sports development and inspire wider participation in tennis among students.

Damilare Okunola, the Tournament Director, clarified that the competition’s creation aimed to close the opportunity gap for junior players.

He noted that while many young athletes show outstanding potential, there are limited platforms for them to compete regularly. According to him, the championship represents an important step toward nurturing future champions who could represent Nigeria on global stages, including the Olympic Games.

Okunola described the turnout as encouraging, highlighting the strong participation from schools as a sign of growing interest in the sport. The event, he added, aims to lay the groundwork for long-term talent development.

Despite minor challenges such as late arrivals, he said the tournament has progressed smoothly, aided by favourable weather conditions and strong organisation.

Coach Itandayo Adekale of Corona Secondary School praised the standard of play and the discipline displayed by participants. He noted that competitions like this help young players assess their abilities and improve their performance over time.

A parent, Yvonne Ogunoiki, also commended the initiative, stressing the importance of exposing young athletes to competitive environments beyond their schools.

She said such tournaments allow players to build confidence, test their skills against different opponents, and develop the resilience needed to succeed in the sport.

As the championship continues, organisers and participants alike remain optimistic that the event will become a key fixture in Nigeria’s youth sports calendar, helping shape the next generation of tennis stars.

NDLEA Secures Landmark Conviction of Foreign Crew, Vessel Over Cocaine Smuggling

By Haruna Aliyu

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, securing the conviction of 10 Filipino sailors alongside their vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, for smuggling 20 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.

Details of the development were disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, who confirmed that the court also imposed heavy financial penalties totalling six million dollars and an additional N1.1 million.

According to the agency, the illegal shipment was intercepted at the Apapa Seaport after operatives uncovered the narcotics carefully hidden within the cargo of the vessel, which had arrived from Santos, Brazil. The arrest of the crew and the ship took place on November 16, 2025, following a successful intelligence-led operation.

Reacting to the court ruling, the Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, described the outcome as a strong affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing its drug laws and protecting its borders from criminal networks.

He stressed that the judgement sends a clear warning to international traffickers that Nigeria’s maritime domain is no longer a safe route for illicit drug operations. Marwa noted that the hefty fine should serve as a deterrent to global drug syndicates and their collaborators.

The NDLEA’s boss further warned shipping companies and maritime operators against complicity in drug trafficking, emphasising that offenders risk losing both their liberty and valuable assets.

He highlighted that the agency is now intensifying efforts not only to seize illegal substances but also to dismantle the financial structures that sustain drug cartels.

Marwa also praised officers of the NDLEA Apapa Strategic Command for their vigilance and professionalism in detecting the concealed drugs. He added that the success builds on previous convictions, including that involving MV Chayanee Naree, demonstrating the effectiveness of the agency’s sustained enforcement strategy.

The chairman equally commended the Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services for diligently handling the case, as well as the judiciary for ensuring a speedy trial.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Marwa said the fight against drug trafficking remains critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s youth and strengthening national security, adding that ongoing improvements in intelligence gathering and technology would further boost operations.