Sports

Nigeria Cricket Federation targets 1m new entrants yearly

Published

4 years ago

February 14, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has revealed that it is targeting one million new entrants into the game yearly in the country.

NCF General Manager stated this during the Federation Annual General meeting held in Abuja said that, the target was given to the country by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Igwilo said the international body was happy with the progress of the game in the country and felt Nigeria could get more entrants to the game.

The NCF official said that the earlier task for the federation was 250,000 entrants annually, one that the country has surpassed.

According to him, the ICC is very happy with Nigeria and their message to us is straightforward; that we continue the good work.

“The ICC is also focusing on a special intervention programme with the NCF to grow the numbers of the game, especially considering the size of our population.

“The special project is that of getting one million new participants annually.

“Our previous target was 250,000 but with what the ICC have seen with the videos of the coaching clinics around the country, data reports, level of grassroot developments etc, they felt the NCF could get more than the earlier target,’’ Igwilo said.

The former cricket player said the programme would mean funds going directly to the states to aid in introducing participants to the game.

“The states are happy; they are already challenged because they have seen that the programme would mean more money, equipment, motivation, incentives for them.

“This is not the ICC/NCF grant, this is a special intervention programme and funds sent to the states directly.”

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

4 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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