District O1 Girls Softball Tournament: US Consulate Salutes Nigerian Girls

 Public Affairs Officer US Consulate General, Lagos Russell Brooks has commended the players  for their discipline and skills exhibited at the just concluded  Softball  Tournament held at Obafemi Awolowo stadium, Ibadan, Oyo- State.

The Excellers Hitters of Ibadan defeated Badagry Abgels by 9 runs to 2 to lift U-16 of the 2020 District O1 Girls Softball Tournament, while Bishop Braves defeated Ibadan Acumen by 10 runs to 3 runs to win the U-12 category.

Brooks said he was impressed with the commitment and doggedness of both participants and spectators.

“This is my second visit to the Little League tournament here in Ibadan; I commend the organisers of the maiden edition of this tournament. Ten teams participated in this tournament and the objective of this tournament is to develop the game of softball and participation among the girls in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that two coaches from The Netherlands and one from the United States had been ivited to teach local coaches the techniques of the game and new skills

 “These new skills will enhance their understanding of the rules and regulations that govern the sport. It is our own belief that the exchange will help Nigerian coaches and athletes to do well in the future international competitions,” he said.

Meanwhile Bishop Braves, the winner of the Little League Softball Tournament paid a visit to both the Chairman and the Permanent Secretary of Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Pastor Akin Alamu and MrsBisi Grace Oderinde respectively during the week 

The duo expressed their appreciation to the Bishop Phillips Academy softball team for making Oyo State proud by bringing honour and glory to the state, the school and their parents in a tournament that was majorly sponsored by the United States Consulate General Lagos.

The championship comprises Ten teams from Ibadan, Lagos and Abuja who competed for awards, medals and trophies at the five days’ tournament held in two divisions.

The historic event was put together by Little League Nigeria South West District 01, headed by  Mr Kehinde Laniyan who also doubles as the Secretary General of the Nigerian Baseball and Softball Association.

Laniyan could not hold his joy and appreciation to the sponsors of the tournament, particularly the major sponsor, the US Consulate General, Lagos and thanked them for the huge success of the tournament.

He praised the sponsor for forgiving the Nigeria  female players for the first time in the history of softball in Nigeria the chance to express themselves  on the field of play.