Sports

NCF Launches Accelerated Growth Program For 200,000 NewKids In Nigeria

Published

4 years ago

May 27, 2021

Joel Ajayi

As part of its ongoing effort to ensure the growth of Cricket sport in the country, the Nigeria cricket federation on Thursday successfully launched Accelerated Growth Program that will help over 200,000 new kids into sport annually.

The Accelerated Growth Program is a grassroots initiative by the Nigeria Cricket Federation that seeks to introduce around 200,000 new kids into the sports annually.

Also, the 36 states of the Federation including the FCT will benefit from the program as field officers have been employed to run the program beginning with states that are least developed in Cricket.

Speaking at official launching in Abuja the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Federation Prof. Yahaya Ukwenya expressed delight for the program which is one of the key 5 imperatives of the development plan engaged upon by the Federation.

According to him, the aim of the program is to accelerate the growth of Cricket in Nigeria at a faster pace than it has been done in the past and also taking into context the population of the country.

“The purpose is to see more children get into the sport, in so doing; they will imbibe some of the principles of the game which you can also call Spirit of Cricket which i believe is good for their development. It is important to understand that a child actively involved in sports is not likely to get into anti-social and criminal activities.” He said.

However, a total of 14 schools (Private and Government) in Abuja and Niger State participated in the Launch with a total of 155 students registered both boys and girls. Plastic starter pack equipment was delivered to the schools present with that exercise expected to be replicated across the country.

It will be recall that the Federation procured over 1,000 sets of beginners’ equipment during the first quarter of the year to aid this program. A new technology called the Geographic Information System (GIS) will also be deployed by the field officers to provide real time information that will enable the Federation track the spread and use of the equipment across the country.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Ademu Ajayi, Deputy Director in the Federation Elite Athletes Department (FEAD) of the Ministry, heaped praised on the Federation for their continuous desire to develop the game in the country, recognizing Cricket as the best in development and administration among other sports in the Ministry.

He further pledged on behalf of the Ministry that Cricket will continue to enjoy the support of the Mother body for all her activities.

The final activity of the Launching ceremony was the demonstration of the basic Batting, Bowling and Fielding techniques demonstrated to the students by the National Women’s Team

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Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

9 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

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