Nigeria has been recognized as one of the top three African nations that hold a significant position in the realm of cricket, particularly in relation to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This prestigious cricket tournament is scheduled for this year, 2023.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, which commenced on June 26th, embarked on a unique journey at an altitude of 120,000 feet above the Earth.
This captivating tour was initiated with a remarkable landing at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
Nigeria is set to be part of this exceptional Trophy Tour, marking a significant achievement for the country’s cricket scene. The trophy itself was creatively attached to a specially designed stratospheric balloon, contributing to the uniqueness of the event.
Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, Uyi Akpata, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), announced that the trophy tour is scheduled to reach Abuja on August 28.
Nigeria is set to be part of this exceptional Trophy Tour, marking a significant achievement for the country’s cricket scene. The trophy itself was creatively attached to a specially designed stratospheric balloon, contributing to the uniqueness of the event.“Nigeria will be a major stop for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy that is presently on Tour of 18 countries globally, and that is major for us. Being the second successive time in Nigeria is a huge win for our developmental effort.”
During its arrival, it will be warmly welcomed by both the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s board and the vibrant Nigeria Cricket community in the Federal Capital city. Subsequently, the trophy will be ceremoniously presented to the newly appointed Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Senator John Enoh.
Following its stay in Abuja, the trophy is scheduled to proceed to Lagos on Wednesday, August 30th.
In Lagos, a series of significant events will unfold, including a reception by Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu. The cricket trophy will also take center stage at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval, a revered and iconic venue for the sport in the country. This public display will further enhance the excitement and engagement surrounding the upcoming cricket championship.
“I believe the back-to-back Trophy Tour of Nigeria, first in 2019 and now in 2023, shows how Nigeria, as an emerging cricket development hotbed, is key for the continent. And this is an appreciation to those who have, and still sacrificing to see the game attain an enviable height in the country,” Akpata said.
Nigeria has won four global developmental awards between 2019 and 2023 including qualifying for its first World Cup in 2019.
This 2023, Nigeria was named the winner for 100% Female Cricket Initiative of the Year Global Award. This was on the back of a successful girl-child campaign in Zamfara state that yielded over 20,000 entrants in 2022.
Nigeria’s Women’s National Team also won; for the first time, the NCF Women’s T20 Invitational Tournaments after hosting it for four years; this year, the previous editions had been won by Rwanda national Women’s Cricket Team.
‘Cricket is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. It is a bat-and-ball game played on a roughly oval grass field, in the centre of which is a flat strip of ground 20.12 m (22 yards) long, called a pitch.’