Cricket: Stakeholders Praise, CCC, NCF Ahead of U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

Stakeholders has praised the Nigerian Cricket Federation and the Club Cricket is Committee (CCC) ahead of the U-19 men’s cricket World Cup.

This was at the Engnr. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu Trophy which kicked off with a Press Conference/Captains Photoshoot at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Mr Uyi Apata said there are two major teams and Nigeria is looking forward to host 8 teams in a World Club Qualifier.

"We have to make sure our team is ready and get the qualifying tickets in terms of the first one we really have the two cricket ovals up and running and the pitches are ready, their has been a few rain but our drainage system their is perfect.

"Logistically, we have an LOC on ground. We've met the government agency that are supporting us, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration Services, all hands are on deck and with the support of the ministry of youth and sport development, we are ready to go,

"On that, we will be ready but am really excited about the young lads who we are grooming every day, i am sure you will see from the experience they've gathered in the last two years because they actually started as under 17 so this is the ultimate for them.

"I think we are picking the right time for this but like I said, I am looking beyond this and hoping that at the end of the day, we will qualify again for the world cup proper." he said.

Apata said the team is not just looking forward to qualify but to win and get to the final qualifying stage where one country will represent the associate country for west Africa. 

"As I said, I am just glad that we have this development part with most of our players and we should succeed. We have a lot of back room staff in terms of physical fitness training, psychologists and their over all well being. 

"I think they are just ready to go so we are going to be seeing the best of Nigeria development youth cricket on display at that stage but again it's not about that but I am just excited today about the CCl and the ICC officials coming here.

"This is the largest league that we've seen out of south Africa with twenty-one teams participating and their is the junior side from Lagos that will be participating in the team this year.

"I hope that you the media will support us in continuing to show that cricket is number one and the best developing sport In Nigeria. Thank you very much." he said.

The General Manager of Development for International Cricket Committee (ICC), Mr William Glenwright said he is in Nigeria to also learn the secret of the success of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) in Nigeria. 

Glenwright said NCF is one of the fastest growing members and part of his visit is to better understand what NCF is doing right and how other members can also benefit from it.

"We also need to understand where we can provide better support for them as part of our partnership so we can work closely to help achieve the greatness they look forward to." he said.

The GM said Club Cricket Committee League, as he was told, was the largest in Africa which represents the extraordinary greatness going on in Nigeria.

"It started with its humble beginning of four teams but here it is with 21 teams,  two divisions and the inspiration to grow further. 

"Not only is Nigeria Cricket growing in terms of its development but its performance programme as well because we have seen their National team perform strongly on international stage." he said. 

The Chairman, Lagos State Cricket Association, Mr Kofi Sagoe said the Lagos League organised by the Club Cricket Committee is growing bigger and better. 

"We will be part of the Global Cricket Committee in a more impactful manner with this.

"We have a few of our players in the camp now and we hope that they eventually make the team that will represent Nigeria. 

"The developmental work that we have undertaken in the last 18 months is sure to produce much bigger fruits so going forward, we will see more impactful Lagos State representative.