Underdog Adekalu Bulls Stun Tournament Favourites to Claim 2025 Nigerian Softball Crown
The Adekalu Bulls of Lagos have been crowned champions of the 2025 Professor Ndi Okereke National Softball Championship after producing a remarkable upset in Port Harcourt.
Widely viewed as outsiders at the start of the tournament, the Bulls delivered a commanding 7–3 victory over pre-tournament favourites Team Bayelsa in a tense and high-energy final that kept spectators on edge throughout.
Head coach Cynthia Sunday praised her team’s composure, insisting the result came as no surprise to her. “I never expected anything different,” she said. “I’ve watched their matches closely. I wasn’t tense, and neither were my players.”
Bayelsa coach Adekunle Ajayi attributed his side’s defeat to limited preparation time, pointing to the academic commitments of many of his players. “It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “Most of our girls are in school and don’t have the time needed for adequate training.”
This year’s championship recorded its highest level of participation to date, with teams from 13 states competing a significant milestone for the sport’s development in Nigeria. The tournament delivered drama and high-quality play from the opening pitch to the final out.
Earlier in the day, Team Delta secured the bronze medal with an 11–8 win over Team Rivers in a fiercely contested third-place match.
Rivers coach Dango Michael said defensive errors proved costly. “It was a fine game and I’m proud of my girls,” he said. “But small mistakes in the field made the difference. Our semifinal was even tougher than what we faced today.”
Speaking to osprimetv in Port Harcourt, Uche Odozor — President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation (NBSF) and also head of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) Africa called for increased private-sector investment. He commended individuals who have personally supported the tournament and outlined ambitions to develop a sustainable, spectator-driven national softball league for both university players and a masters division.
With its expanded field, improved quality of play and dramatic finale, the 2025 edition has set a new benchmark for softball’s growth and visibility across Nigeria.
