The second edition of the West Africa U18 baseball tournament is poised to bring exciting sports action to Lagos, Nigeria, as it kicks off this weekend.
The two-day event, scheduled for August 17th and 18th, will feature four nations vying for supremacy in this growing sport within the region.
After Ghana’s successful hosting of the inaugural tournament in May 2023, Nigeria steps up as the new venue, ready to welcome teams from Ghana, Benin Republic, and Tunisia.
However, the tournament will be without Cote D’Ivoire and Senegal, who failed to submit their team rosters before the deadline.
Acting Secretary-General of the Nigeria Baseball & Softball Association, Mr. Robert Onwuke, expressed excitement about the event, emphasizing the importance of the tournament in the development of baseball in the region.
“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 on a larger stage.”
Defending champions Ghana will be the team to watch, as they look to retain their title. The Nigerian squad, led by Coach Adekunle Ayodele, has been preparing intensively in Ilorin, Kwara State, and will arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, eager to showcase their skills.
The Nigerian contingent includes standout players like Olusayo T. Faith and Musa I. Ayomide, who are expected to make significant impacts during the games.
The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s part of a larger initiative by the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) African President, Mr. Albert K. Frimpong, aimed at strengthening regional baseball activities across Africa.
This event is a crucial step towards preparing for the continental qualifiers for the 2025 World Cup.
As the teams converge in Lagos, anticipation builds for what promises to be a weekend of thrilling baseball action, showcasing the best young talent West Africa has to offer.
