Nigeria fastest growing cricket nation, says ICC
Written by Adeola Ibrahim on August 31, 2023
The International Cricket Council has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Cricket Federation in making the country the fastest growing cricket nation in the world, following the colourful reception for the Cricket World Cup trophy on Wednesday in Lagos.
Nigeria is again among the three African countries selected for the trophy parade, along with South Africa and Uganda, ahead of the ODI World Cup in India from October 5 to November 19.
After the first leg of the trophy tour in Abuja on Tuesday, the piece of silverware was on display at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos on Wednesday.
General Manager of Development, ICC, William Glenwright, who was accompanied to Nigeria by the ICC Regional Development Manager in Africa, Patricia Kambarami, said Nigeria was top priority in spreading the game.
“Nigeria is our fastest growing member around the world. We came to learn from the NCF to better understand what they are doing successfully and apply it elsewhere around the world so that other members can be equally successful as Nigeria,” Glenwright told.
“It’s also for us to better understand the ways the international federation can support Nigeria in their growth. They have great plans and we have a role to play.”
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, said the board would not relent in its efforts to ensure the country benefitted from its development agenda for the game.
