Central Eagles produced a spirited all-round display to defeat Northern Lions by seven runs in Match 17 of the Nigeria Super League (NSL) 2026 elimination stage.
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Batting first, Central Eagles posted 83/7 in their allotted 20 overs, with Chima Akachukwu leading the charge with a composed 30 off 36 balls, while Peter Aho added 15 runs from 17 deliveries.
Northern Lions fought hard in response but were restricted to 76 all out in 17.1 overs despite a brave 30-run effort from Okpe Sylvester.
Central Eagles bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages to seal a dramatic victory and keep their title hopes alive.
Peter Aho starred with the ball, claiming 3/17, while Samson Adebayo contributed 2/11 in a disciplined bowling performance.
The victory sends Central Eagles into a high-stakes elimination clash against Middle-Belt Tigers, with a coveted place in the NSL Finals now on the line.
Southern Sharks Defeat Middle-Belt Tigers to Reach NSL Finals
Southern Sharks continued their impressive run in the Nigeria Super League after defeating Middle-Belt Tigers by 17 runs in Match 16 of the elimination stage.
The Sharks posted 85/6 in 13 overs in a rain-reduced contest, thanks largely to Durotoye Gideon’s crucial 27 off 25 balls.
Isaac Danladi also chipped in with a quick 13 from 10 deliveries.
Middle-Belt Tigers struggled in the chase and were bowled out for 68 in 11.3 overs.
Runsewe Sulaimon scored 19 off 19 balls, while David Nkrah added 12 runs, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
Isaac Danladi delivered a standout all-round performance for Southern Sharks, claiming 3/17 with the ball after contributing with the bat. Akhigbe Miracle also impressed with figures of 2/15.
The 17-run victory sends Southern Sharks into the NSL Finals with strong momentum as they continue their pursuit of the Nigeria Super League title.
