Nigeria Super League final set after exciting elimination rounds

By Jacob Ajom

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Nigeria Super League at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos today, following two intense elimination‑stage matches at the same venue yesterday.

Southern Sharks claimed the first spot in the final after defeating Middle‑Belt Tigers by 17 runs in a rain‑shortened encounter. The Sharks batted first, posting 85/6 in 13 overs, with Durotoye Gideon top‑scoring with 27 runs and Danladi Isaac contributing a brisk 13 to help establish a competitive total.

In reply, Middle‑Belt Tigers were all out for 68 in 11.3 overs. Captain Runsewe Sulaimon led the resistance with a fighting 19, but the Sharks’ bowlers proved decisive. Danladi Isaac took a match‑winning 3 wickets, while Akhigbe Miracle added 2 wickets, steering Southern Sharks into the final.

Middle‑Belt Tigers secured the remaining final berth in the second eliminator with a convincing six‑wicket victory over Central Eagles. Central Eagles were bowled out for 98/9 in 20 overs, with Mohammed Moshood scoring 32 and Chima Akachukwu adding 26.

The Tigers chased the target in 17.2 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 38 from captain Runsewe Sulaimon and a valuable 24 not out from Ndubudem Elochukwu David, sealing their passage to the championship match.

Earlier in the elimination round, Central Eagles edged Northern Lions by seven runs in another closely fought contest. Chima Akachukwu led the batting effort with 30 runs, while Peter Aho starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets to help defend a total of 83.

Attention now turns to today’s finals at the TBS Cricket Oval. The 3rd Place Playoff will feature Northern Lions against Central Eagles at 10:00 am, followed by the Nigeria Super League Final between Southern Sharks and Middle‑Belt Tigers at 1:30 pm.

The Nigeria Super League promises a grand finish as the race for the title reaches its climax.

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