By Daniel Edu
Nigeria has been selected as one of the African nations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy tour, scheduled for August 29 and 30. This prelude to the upcoming championship in India aims to celebrate the sport and engage fans.
The tour will commence in Abuja on Tuesday, August 29, where the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s board will receive the trophy. The newly appointed Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, will then take possession of the trophy. On the subsequent day, August 30, the tour will continue in Lagos, with the trophy being displayed at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval, a revered cricket ground in Nigeria. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will also be part of the ceremony.
Uyi Akpata, the president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, expressed enthusiasm about the trophy’s return to the country, emphasizing the nation’s cricketing progress over the past five years. He remarked that hosting the trophy tour twice in succession signifies Nigeria’s significance in cricket development, especially within the African context. He praised those who have contributed to the growth of cricket in the country.
Nigeria’s cricket achievements have been notable in recent years, including winning global developmental awards and securing a place in its first World Cup in 2019. Notably, Nigeria received the Global Award for 100% Female Cricket Initiative of the Year this year, recognizing their efforts in promoting women’s participation in the sport. Additionally, the women’s senior team, the Female Yellow Greens, clinched victory in the NCF Women’s T20i Invitational Tournaments for the first time, marking a significant achievement in their cricket journey.
