Kwara State has recorded another milestone in its sporting development as the state's cricket team emerged first runner-up at the prestigious PwC Cricket Tournament held in Abuja.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mustapha Taofiq Olayiwola, a copy of which was shared with Arewa PUNCH in Ilorin.

Olayiwola described the achievement as a proud moment for the state and its cricket community, noting that it further strengthens Kwara's growing influence in the cricket landscape of Nigeria.

According to the statement, the athletes demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the competition, earning admiration from coaches, officials, and other stakeholders for their resilience, technical brilliance, and exemplary sportsmanship.

"The athletes displayed exceptional determination and discipline from the opening match to the final stage of the tournament," the statement said.

"Their performance drew widespread commendation and has once again projected Kwara State as a formidable force in the development of cricket in Nigeria."

The statement added that the achievement reinforces Kwara's reputation as a nurturing ground for emerging cricket talents, particularly at the grassroots level where sustained investment has continued to produce measurable results.

At a presentation ceremony held at the end of the tournament, the Kwara contingent received a plaque in recognition of their outstanding performance, a gesture said to reflect the pride shared by the state's sporting community.

Beyond the team's runner-up finish, several players also distinguished themselves in individual award categories.

Jamiu Yunus won the Best Bowler (Male) award, Kamiludeen Ayinke clinched the Best Bowler (Female) honour, while Oyeniran Serah was named Best Behaved Player of the tournament.

"These individual recognitions reflect not only the depth of talent within the team but also the discipline and values that define Kwara athletes," the statement added.

The cricket community in Kwara also expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, for what it described as his visionary leadership and consistent support for grassroots sports development.

It noted that the chairman's encouragement and continued investment have created an enabling environment for athletes to excel and compete successfully at national competitions.

The tournament is an annual grassroots development initiative organised by the Nigeria Cricket Federation and sponsored by PwC Nigeria to identify and nurture young cricket talents across the country.