The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) through the Nigeria Super League LOC has officially unveiled the franchise squads, captains, and coaching crews set to compete in the maiden edition of the Nigeria Super League (NSL), scheduled to hold from May 16 to May 31, 2026.
The launch of the Nigeria Super League marks a defining moment for cricket development in the country. Created as a high-performance domestic franchise competition, the league is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s cricket structure by creating a clear pathway from grassroots development to international representation.
For the first time, Nigeria’s finest cricket talents will compete in a professionally structured franchise environment that combines elite competition, player development, fan engagement, and national pride.
Speaking on the vision behind the league, the president Mr Uyi Akpata described the NSL as a bold step toward raising the standard of domestic cricket while giving emerging players the opportunity 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.
Six competitive franchises will battle for glory in the inaugural edition, each led by experienced captains and supported by accomplished coaching teams.
*CENTRAL EAGLES*
*Captain:* Peter Aho, Abdulrasheed Opeyemi, Chima Akachukwu, Emmanuel Boniface, Emmanuel Oladejo, Happy Bagshaw, Ifeanyichukwu Uboh, Kareem Ayoku, Moshood Muhammed, Prosper Useni, Samson Adebayo, Selim Salau, Warees Azeez.
Coach: Ademola Onikoyi, Assistant Coach: Friday Udoh.
*EASTERN ELEPHANTS*
*Captain:* Taiwo Mohammed, Abdulramah Jimoh, Chigemezu Ibe,Chimezie Ejiofor, Femi Oresanwo, Gafar Kareem, Izuchukwu Bonaventure Okeke, Oluwatosin Joseph Onoshagbe, Paul Pam, Rahmon Ali, Ridwanullahi Muhammed, Toluwalase Dada, Victor Onome Ipoli.
*Coach:* John Tamuno, *Assistant Coach:* Efosa Aghahowa
*MIDDLE-BELT TIGERS*
*Captain:* Suliamon Runsuwe, David Ankrah, Eghosa Destiny Aghedo, Elijah Olaleye, Elochukwu Ndubudem, Ewere Osaigbohan, Folajuwon Ogunnaike, Pelumi Orimolade, Rasheed Abolarin, Samuel Mba, Shina awodele, Solomon Chilemanya, Unity Ogboe.
*Coach:* Daniel Gim, *Assistant Coach:* Azeez Salako.
*NORTHERN LIONS*
*Captain:* Sylvester Okpe, Akere Isesele, Daniel Balogun,Elijah Saturday, Eweka Ogbemudia, Hossana Omonikhobio, Isaac Onyemgba, Miracle Solomon, Mubarak Beki, Okasha Isiaku, Reigneth Osagie, Ridwan Abdulkareem, Selim Mogaji.
*Coach:* Seye Olympio, *Assistant Coach:* Onome Oghenekevwe
*SOUTHERN SHARKS*
*Captain:* Isaac Okpe, Abdulahi Ismail, Ayeni Precious, Bright Edem Nyong, Durotoye Gideon, Isaac Danladi, Ismail Shittu, Kenneth Boniface, Kofoworola Lukman , Odion Isesele, Osein Shonibare, Paul Eboka,Peculiar Egemasi.
Coach: Seyi Sonde, Assistant Coach: Jamal Okechukwu.
*WESTERN DOLPHINS*
*Captain:* Vincent Adewoye, Bilal Akerele, Chiemelie E Udekwe, david Abiebhode, Destiny Chilemanya, Favour Okoro, Joshua Asia, Jubril Abdullahi, Kingsley Uduak, Muheez Animashaun, Nzube Nwokike, Oluwaseyi David Adegboye, Sesan Adedeji.
*Coach:* Oyede Leke, *Assistant Coach:* Justin Okere
Driven by the theme “One Dream. One League. Endless Opportunities.”, the Nigeria Super League is expected to serve as a major catalyst for the growth of cricket across the country.
The league aims to:
• Create a stronger and more organized national player development pathway.
• Improve the technical and competitive standards of domestic cricket.
• Expose players to a professional franchise system.
• Discover and develop future stars for the national teams.
Beyond the competition itself, the NSL is expected to provide fans and stakeholders with an exciting showcase of talent, passion, entertainment, and the evolving identity of Nigerian cricket.
The tournament bowls off on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with matches scheduled in a round robin format:
• Morning Session: 9:30 AM
• Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM
The group stage fixtures will run until May 27, before the competition progresses into the knockout stages, culminating in the highly anticipated Grand Final on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
As anticipation continues to build, cricket fans across the country can expect two weeks of thrilling action live at the TBS Cricket Oval, and on the NCF YouTube Channel, as Nigeria’s brightest cricket stars compete for ultimate franchise glory.
Zeal Ibe
Media Manager
Nigeria Cricket Federation
Email: mediamanager@nigeriacricket.com.ng
Website: www.nigeriacricket.com.ng
Facebook: NigeriaCricketFederation
Instagram: NigeriaCricketFederation
X(Twitter): Cricket_Nigeria
