The Nigerian national Cricket team for ICC World T-20 Africa Qualifiers in Lagos beginning on Saturday, 14/04/2018
Cricket
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, April 13, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) on Friday said that hosting the ICC World T-20 Africa Qualifiers would re-launch the country into the comity of International cricket.
NCF President Adam Yahaya-Ukwenya, made the assertion at a news conference to herald the North-Western qualifiers starting on Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.
Ukwenya said that hosting the event was a major feat for the NCF and Nigeria as a whole.
“This is a major event in our history and it’s a win-win situation for the region and ICC.
“It’s a major opportunity to get the sport to our people and ensure that we continue to develop cricket at all levels in Nigeria.
“This is the first time the country will be hosting an event of this magnitude and we are glad that Nigeria is taking her place in the region and the international level,’’ he said.
The president thanked ICC for giving the country the opportunity to host the event, adding that NCF would continue to partner with the international body in moving the sport forward.
“We appreciate ICC for believing in us, we will continue to work with them and look forward to their continuous support,’’ he said.
On the renovated TBS cricket pitch, Ukwenya commended the sponsors and the government for always supporting the federation, and urged others to partner with the body.
“We are grateful to EROTON, Visionscape and others for making this possible,’’ he said.
In the same vein, Kuben Pillay, an ICC Africa Representative, said the body was pleased with what NCF has achieved within a short period.
Pillay added that the country was in the best position to host the sub-regional qualifiers owing to the commitment and determination of the NCF in improving the standard of the game.
“I am proud of what has happened in the last few month, I remember what I saw when I visited in March for facility inspection and what is on ground now.
“This only shows that the federation is ready to take cricket to the next level in the region and the ICC is ready to work with the body with aim of developing the sport in Africa,’’ he said.
NAN reports that Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and the host Nigeria will participate in the event.
The opening match will be between the Nigeria and the national side of Sierra Leone. (NAN)
KOA/ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)