Sports
Cricket Federation Puts Women’s Development To Test
The Nigeria Cricket Federation has put together the maiden age-grade international tournament for the Women’s Under-19 national team, the Nigeria-Ghana Under-19 Women Series.
The event is a four-team invitational event that kicked off on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval. It parades Ghana’s Under 19 National Team, the South-West female team, a selected national Women’s team, and Nigeria’s Under 19 Women’s Team.
According to the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, the event is meant to test the Federation’s development effort for Women’s Cricket.
“Apart from getting the Women’s Under 19 team in shape for the Division One World Cup Qualifier starting September 22nd in Kigali, this event allows us to test the depth of our Women’s development. For the first time, we are parading three teams of national team quality and invited Ghana’s Under 19 Women to join.”
Akpata said that the strategic objective of the Federation is to attain gender equality in its developmental effort.
“We have had our school outreaches focused a bit more on girl-child initiatives and it has been yielding results. The impact is beginning to resonate for the country already.” He added.
The Female National Team put up a podium performance at the African Games in Accra earlier in March ahead of the Male team with a Bronze medal, justifying the investment in female Cricket development in the country.
“We now have a female Cricket League run in the South-South, with eight teams taking part and a fully functional Cricket facility inside an all-girl Iyoba College in Benin City, Edo State.” He added.
The ongoing Nigeria-Ghana Under 19 Women Series complements these initiatives and also helps the national Under 19 Women’s team shape up for the World Cup Qualifier that is scheduled for September 22nd to 29th at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B of the eight-team series that parades Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Malawi. Group A has Rwanda, Namibia, Uganda, and Kenya.
“Development is an ongoing process, carefully curating the process that produces and hones our players’ skill is key for us. Of course, we are looking forward to picking the World Cup ticket, but it will be better if we keep refining the process that produces and makes our players better.”
Sports
NFF President Cup Football Tournament Kicks Off in Kaduna with Exciting Opening Ceremony
Joel Ajayi
The NFF President Cup Football Tournament for Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs began in style on November 12, 2024, marking a key step in promoting football development in Kaduna State and across the league. The tournament, held at the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium, will run until November 20 and promises fans thrilling preseason action and intense competition among participating teams.
The opening ceremony was a highlight, with Kaduna State’s Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, officially launching the event by kicking off the first ball—a symbolic gesture underscoring the state’s commitment to nurturing sports and supporting local football talent. Professor Gugong remained for the inaugural match, where two local teams, Kada Warriors FC and Kawo FA, delivered an exciting performance. In a closely fought game, Kawo FA emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Kada Warriors FC.
Chairman of the tournament, Hon. Magaji Alhasan, welcomed the teams and officials in his opening remarks, applauding Kaduna’s warm hospitality. He assured all participants that fair and transparent officiating would be a top priority, with oversight directly under his supervision. Alhasan also expressed his hopes for the NFF President Cup to become an annual tradition, providing a vital platform for NNL clubs to prepare for each season.
With four matches scheduled daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the tournament promises a nonstop display of football talent that will captivate fans and further enhance Kaduna State’s reputation as a center for sports.
The tournament serves as an essential preseason platform, allowing clubs to refine their skills and gear up for the forthcoming National League season.
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