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NCF Join Forces With PWC To Grow Cricket In Nigeria

Published

6 years ago

September 26, 2019

U-17 Boys, Girls Cricket Tournament kick-off In Abuja

Joel Ajayi

As part of it’s unrelent efforts to grow the game of Cricket more in the country, the Nigeria Cricket Federation NCF have joined forces with the PriceWater House Coopers PwC) to grow the games of Cricket believe will produce many future champions for the Country.

This even as the federation have commenced the maiden edition of the National U-17 Cricket Championship for both Boys and girls categories in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the Press briefing and unveiling of the logo for the Championship, the President NCF Prof Yahaya Ukwenya, expressed that the partnership was a right steps in a right direction to grow and improve the game of cricket at the age-grade level.

He said the Federation will continue it’s campaign for the sport’s grassroots development in accordance with the International Cricket Council (ICC) desire.

According to him, the aim of the championship is to get the best players from the grassroots so that we can have formidable teams for the national teams.

“I can tell you that we have PwC strongly influencing both arms of development. They have partnered with us as we move around the country to promote the game.

“We also needed to improve competitions at age-grade level, because this is an important part in the development of any sport.

“Since the skills to win matches can only be done on the field of play, we decided that before the kids go out to represent us, they should have experienced competitions at various stages.

“We feel that the under-17 is a gateway to international cricket as some of the greatest players in the world began at this stage.

“So, we approached PwC and they took up the initiative immediately. We commend and appreciate PwC for going into partnership with us,’’ Ukwenya said.

Prof. Ukwanya equally disclosed that each region of the country will present a 14-player team at the finals which will take a round robin format.

In his addressed the leader of Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) delegation – sponsors of the championship, Mr Tolu Adeleke said the company was interested in taking the youths out of the street and helping to produce the next big name in Nigerian cricket.

“Our values align with those of the ICC and by extension the NCF. We seem to be working on the same path and purpose.

“This is also part of our corporate social responsibilities and we are glad to associate ourselves with the giant strides of the present NCF administration.”

When asked for the years of partnership, Mr Adeleke replied; “as long as Pricewater house Cooper’s exist, we about 150 countries around the world, and we have been helping countries in all sectors, finance, Sports, Administration amongst other.”

However, the U-17 Girls championship will hold from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th September while the male version will hold from October 3rd to 6th 2019.

Also, preliminary rounds of the events were held at the zonal level where states played against each other in their various regions.

Meanwhile, female team comprises of 5 teams from six-geo political zone the exclusion of North East zone while all geo political zone will be features in that of Male category.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

7 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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