Robert Onwuke, the acting secretary-general of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA), has assured that Nigeria will benefit from baseball development by hosting the maiden West Africa U-18 Baseball tournament.
Onwuke gave the assurance while speaking yesterday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the readiness to host the maiden edition of the competition at the Indoor Sports Hall of Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium Surulere, Lagos from August 17 to 18, 2024
Qualifiers from the four-nation tournament will compete in the continental competition against the other two regions in Africa – East and South Africa.
The countries expected in Lagos for the two-day tournament are Tunisia, Ghana, Benin Republic, and host Nigeria.
Onwuke expressed his excitement that Nigeria got the nod to host the regional competition.
He added that the tournament would create more awareness about the game among Nigerian youths interested in the sport.
He also said that the game would further boost the development of baseball in the West African region.
”This is the third time we are hosting the regional baseball tournament in Nigeria as an association, but what we have been hosting before is the Little League version, which we have hosted twice.
”This time around, we are hosting the regional competition for Baseball Fives for the first time, which has a major significant shift.
”There are two approved types, which are outdoor and indoor; we chose to have the maiden edition as indoor because of the weather.
”What we expect to see during this tournament is the true colour of baseball in our country,” he said.
According to Onwuke, baseball is a seamless sport that offers immense opportunities to the youth.
”Baseball is a game where every player will be in their high performance, all players at their best, no room for slacking.
”It is also a mixed sport that allows gender balance. The potential includes opportunities to lure our youths away from the streets.
”This tournament is a good agenda from the world body of baseball and softball to have regional competitions.
”Other regions in Africa have had theirs; there was one in East Africa and likewise, South Africa where over six countries participated,” he said.
The acting Secretary-General said, ”Team Nigeria is well prepared for this tournament.
”We have been able to source the best players from the competitions held at the different centres in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
”Our Technical department was able to open a camp in Ilorin where the players are selected for the national assignment.
”The players now have a deeper understanding of the game and are ready to compete against the rest of West African countries.
”This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about growing the game in West Africa and giving our young athletes the chance to shine,” he said.
