The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has opened a new chapter in the pursuit of excellence in the sport with the introduction of the Nigeria Super League (NSL), which debuts on May 16, 2026.
The NCF officially unveiled the franchise squads, captains, and coaching crews for the maiden edition of the two-week league, which will conclude on May 31, 2026.
The NCF stated that the NSL marks a defining moment for cricket development in the country, noting that it is a high-performance domestic franchise competition designed to strengthen Nigeria's cricket structure by creating a clear pathway from grassroots development to international representation.
For the first time, the league will allow Nigeria's finest cricket talents to compete in a professionally structured franchise environment that combines elite competition, player development, fan engagement, and national pride.
NCF President Uyi Akpata described the NSL as a bold step toward raising the standard of domestic cricket while allowing emerging players to thrive on a bigger stage.
"The Nigeria Super League is not just another tournament. It is a platform built to inspire the next generation, sharpen elite talent, and position Nigerian cricket for greater international success," he stated.
He disclosed that six competitive franchises will battle for glory in the inaugural edition, each led by experienced captains and supported by accomplished coaching teams.
The teams are as follows:
Central Eagles
Players: Peter Aho (captain), Abdulrasheed Opeyemi, Chima Akachukwu, Emmanuel Boniface, Emmanuel Oladejo, Happy Bagshaw, Ifeanyichukwu Uboh, Kareem Ayoku, Moshood Muhammed, Prosper Useni, Samson Adebayo, Selim Salau, and Warees Azeez. Head coach: Ademola Onikoyi, assisted by Friday Udoh.
Eastern Elephants
Players: Taiwo Mohammed (captain), Abdulramah Jimoh, Chigemezu Ibe, Chimezie Ejiofor, Femi Oresanwo, Gafar Kareem, Izuchukwu Bonaventure Okeke, Oluwatosin Joseph Onoshagbe, Paul Pam, Rahmon Ali, Ridwanullahi Muhammed, Toluwalase Dada, and Victor Onome Ipoli. Technical crew: Coach John Tamuno and Efosa Aghahowa.
Middle Belt Tigers
Players: Suliamon Runsuwe (captain), David Ankrah, Eghosa Destiny Aghedo, Elijah Olaleye, Elochukwu Ndubudem, Ewere Osaigbohan, Folajuwon Ogunnaike, Pelumi Orimolade, Rasheed Abolarin, Samuel Mba, Shina Awodele, Solomon Chilemanya, and Unity Ogboe. Coaches: Daniel Gim and Azeez Salako.
Northern Lions
Players: Sylvester Okpe (captain), Akere Isesele, Daniel Balogun, Elijah Saturday, Eweka Ogbemudia, Hossana Omonikhobio, Isaac Onyemgba, Miracle Solomon, Mubarak Beki, Okasha Isiaku, Reigneth Osagie, Ridwan Abdulkareem, and Selim Mogaji. Technical crew: Seye Olympio and Onome Oghenekevwe.
Southern Sharks
Players: Isaac Okpe (captain), Abdulahi Ismail, Ayeni Precious, Bright Edem Nyong, Durotoye Gideon, Isaac Danladi, Ismail Shittu, Kenneth Boniface, Kofoworola Lukman, Odion Isesele, Osein Shonibare, Paul Eboka, and Peculiar Egemasi. Coaches: Seyi Sonde and Jamal Okechukwu (assistant).
Western Dolphins
Players: Vincent Adewoye (captain), Bilal Akerele, Chiemelie Udekwe, David Abiebhode, Destiny Chilemanya, Favour Okoro, Joshua Asia, Jubril Abdullahi, Kingsley Uduak, Muheez Animashaun, Nzube Nwokike, Oluwaseyi David Adegboye, and Sesan Adedeji. Coaches: Oyede Leke and Justin Okere (assistant).
Akpata said the NSL is programmed to create a stronger and more organised national player development pathway, improve the technical and competitive standards of domestic cricket, expose players to a professional franchise system, and discover and develop future stars for the national teams.
