The International Cricket Council has described Nigeria as a priority member of the Council, given the upswing of cricket activities in the country in recent times.
William Glenwright, the ICC General Manager of Development, made the statement in Lagos during the recent Tour of the Cricket World Cup Trophy.
He said: “Nigeria is a priority member for us; a fast-growing country, and we want to learn from the cricket federation, the board, and the staff what they are doing that is so successful so that we can apply that elsewhere in the world for other members to be equally as successful as Nigeria.”
Mr Glenwright, made the assertion on the heels of Nigeria’s increasing recruitment of school-age kids into the game, upward progression of both male and female national teams, facility developments, and international awards it has racked up lately.
“This is also for us to better understand how the international community can better support Nigeria in their growth and aspirations,” he noted.
“They are very ambitious, they have bright plans for international cricket, and also the development of the game for men and women.
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“We have a role to play in supporting them on that and this week we want to see how we can further assist them.”
Earlier, the World Cup Trophy, which was making a second Tour of Nigeria in four years, was in Abuja on Tuesday, where it was received by the Minister for Sports Development, John Enoh.
At the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Patricia Kambarami, ICC Regional Development Manager – Africa, Eddy Fwamba, Trophy Tour Manager, and Rohit Poddar, ICC Member Services, were also on the ground to add colour to the carnival-like Tafawa Balewa Square atmosphere.
Elated Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, said at the event that hosting the Trophy has been worth it for the country, and it will further strengthen the resolve of those in the cricket family to drive the development agenda deeper.
“I’m super excited that this has happened. All the key stakeholders are here, and we have been recognized by ICC. You can see from the presence of the dignitaries here, that have oversight of African associate countries.
“From the feedback, it has been excellent, and everyone has come through for us right from yesterday (Tuesday) when the new honourable minister for sports development joined us despite just settling in office. We have shown that TBS and Lagos is the home of cricket.” He said.
The Trophy departed Nigeria on Thursday, 31 August for South Africa, the third African country it is meant to visit (after Uganda and Nigeria).
Photo Caption (L-R): Narasimhan Mahesh, Consul (Consular) and HOC, Consulate General of India, Lagos, Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation and William Glenwright, ICC General Manager, Development at the Trophy Tour private event in Lagos on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
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