Sports
Excitement as National Women’s Championship final, Criiio Festival, take center stage in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
Abuja the nation’s capital city came alive on Tuesday as National Women’s Cricket Championship commenced in Abuja, featuring eight participating states from across the six geopolitical zones. Edo, Gombe, Ekiti, Lagos, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Kogi.
To this end, the first ever Criiio Festival with aim of promoting the cricket among the women will also take center stage this Saturday.
As matter of fact, the International Cricket Council (ICC) thumbed NCF in making the country the fastest-growing cricket nation in the world.
Just few weeks ago, the NCF announced the maiden edition of eveng that could be described as largest-ever Super Cricket Festival, that is meant to bring together between 600 to 1,000 female secondary school students at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, this October as way of creating more awareness for tge Game.
Now the stage is set for tge event that will bring together over 1,000 school girls in Abuja for a fun-filled event, held alongside the National Women’s Championship.
The two important event is put in place by the Nigeria Cricket Federation for awareness and investment as well as competition among the players.
While speaking the aprrss Confeence on Monday in Abuja, President of Federation Uyi Akpata who was represented by Secretary General of the Federation, Sanni Mohammed, revealed that the event is the culmination of the zonal elimination that had gone on at different cricket clusters across the nation.
“This is the national finals for the women’s focused developmental initiatives that had gone on from the first quarter of the year. It is just interesting that it is coming at this period that we had just qualified for the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in Malaysia.
About 140 players from zonal finals in Lagos, Ekiti, Kogi, Kaduna, Gombe, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra states will join top cricket officials across the nation for the Women’s Championship.
“We are also using this event to hone the game’s administrative skills, including umpiring, scoring, and growing our coaching and live broadcasting capacities..”
Speaking on Criiio Festival, Uyi Akpata expressed: “We are launching a super female involvement in cricket through a modified format. This will be part of the Women’s Cricket Festival, where we will gather between 600 to 1,000 school girls in Abuja for a fun-filled event, held alongside the National Women’s Championship.
“We are also bringing together some of the best female cricketers in the country, with ICC women representatives in attendance. This template will be replicated across other regions of Nigeria.
“The ICC has identified two countries in Africa; Nigeria and Rwanda to lead this initiative, based on our achievements in promoting women’s cricket. We have won global and continental awards in this area, and the fruits of our investment are already beginning to show”.
He stated that, the rate of growth and the success being achieved through developmental efforts have also raised the potential for the game of cricket by providing part-time jobs, and career paths for the youths.
On her own, the Brand Ambassador for Women’s Cricket in Nigeria, Adaora Sydney-Jack highlighted that the Criiio Festival would showcase the essence of the sport, making it an opportunity for the private sector to recognize the value of investing in women’s cricket.
One of the world-class broadcaster, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, expressed her commitment to using her experience in community journalism to raise awareness for the game. She said:”When I look at women’s cricket in Nigeria, I see a bright future. If we take lessons from countries like India, South Africa, and Australia, we can see how they have succeeded through strategic partnerships.
“As a brand ambassador, I will focus on building strategic partnerships and community development, where cricket can play a significant role. I plan to leverage my platform in community journalism to drive this awareness
Talking about the expectations of the game, the Captains of the participating states who spoke explained the progress of Cricket in their various state and their desire to do more all boasted that they are going to win the tournament.
Captains from some of the participating teams shared their expectations ahead of the tournament, expressing their hopes for strong performances and competitive play.
However, the five-day tournament at the Criiio Festival is anticipated to create a festive atmosphere while fostering public-private partnerships in support of women’s cricket.
Sports
Why Nigerians Should Support the New Super Eagles Head Coach
By Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu)
The appointment of a new head coach for the Super Eagles is always a topic of great national interest in Nigeria. Football, being more than just a sport in the country, serves as a unifying force and a source of pride. Every appointment brings with it expectations, criticisms, and optimism. With the unveiling of the new Super Eagles head coach, the question arises: why should Nigerians support this new figure at the helm?
This article explores the reasons why the coach deserves national backing, emphasizing the role of support in driving success and why collective faith in the leadership of the team can yield better outcomes for Nigerian football.
- A Fresh Start for the Super Eagles
The appointment of a new coach symbolizes a new chapter for the Super Eagles. Over recent years, Nigerian football has experienced highs and lows, with varying performances in tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers. A new coach brings a fresh perspective, new tactics, and strategies to improve the team’s performance.
Supporting the new coach provides an opportunity to break away from past disappointments and embrace the potential for growth. Every coach brings their unique philosophy to the table, and giving them the space and encouragement to implement their ideas is crucial for progress.
- Building Team Cohesion and Morale
The support of the fans is not just a gesture; it plays a significant role in team morale. When Nigerians rally behind the new coach, it sends a message of unity to the players and technical staff. A unified footballing community can foster a positive atmosphere that inspires the team to perform at its best.
In contrast, constant criticism or a lack of faith in the coach can create a tense environment that filters down to the players, affecting their confidence and performances on the pitch. Supporting the new coach ensures that the Super Eagles remain a cohesive unit with the belief that they can achieve greatness.
- The Coach’s Track Record and Vision
Every coach appointed to lead the Super Eagles undergoes a rigorous selection process, considering their track record, experience, and vision for Nigerian football. If the new coach has been chosen, it is because they have demonstrated competence and the potential to deliver results.
While no coach is perfect, recognizing their strengths and the qualities that earned them the position is essential. By supporting the coach, Nigerians are indirectly endorsing the NFF’s decision-making process and showing faith in the vision laid out for the Super Eagles’ future.
- Time for Long-Term Planning
One of the challenges Nigerian football faces is a lack of continuity and long-term planning. Frequent changes in coaching personnel disrupt the team’s rhythm and hinder progress. To truly rebuild and compete on the global stage, the new coach must be given time to implement their vision and work with the team.
Supporting the coach ensures they are not under undue pressure to deliver instant results but can instead focus on creating a long-term structure. This includes scouting and developing young talent, refining tactics, and instilling a winning mentality in the squad. Fans must understand that success in football is often a gradual process.
- Reviving Local Talent
The new head coach has a unique opportunity to focus on integrating local talent into the Super Eagles. Nigeria boasts a wealth of skilled players from the domestic league who often lack the opportunity to shine on the international stage.
Supporting the coach’s efforts to scout and nurture homegrown players can lead to the discovery of hidden gems who may contribute significantly to the team’s success. By backing the coach’s vision, Nigerians can also contribute to the development of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and grassroots football, which form the backbone of the national team.
- Promoting National Unity
Football is one of the few things that unites Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides. The Super Eagles are a symbol of national pride, and their success is celebrated by all Nigerians, regardless of background. By supporting the new coach, fans are playing a role in promoting unity and solidarity.
A successful Super Eagles team uplifts the nation, providing moments of joy and a shared sense of achievement. Rallying behind the coach ensures that the focus remains on what matters most: the team’s success and its ability to represent Nigeria on the world stage.
- Learning from the Past
Criticism of past Super Eagles coaches often stemmed from unrealistic expectations and a lack of patience. While it is important to demand excellence, it is equally important to recognize that rebuilding a team takes time. Nigerians must learn from these experiences and avoid creating unnecessary pressure on the new coach.
By supporting the coach, fans can demonstrate a willingness to learn from past mistakes and adopt a more measured approach to evaluating the team’s progress. Constructive criticism, rather than outright negativity, can be a valuable tool in guiding the team toward success.
- The Global Nature of Football Coaching
Football has become increasingly global, with coaches moving across continents to share their expertise. The new Super Eagles coach may bring international experience and modern footballing techniques that can elevate the team’s performance.
By supporting the coach, Nigerians can embrace the opportunity to learn and grow from global best practices in football. This mindset not only benefits the national team but also influences local coaches, players, and administrators, fostering a culture of excellence throughout Nigerian football.
- Fans as the 12th Man
The role of fans in football cannot be overstated. Their unwavering support serves as an additional boost to the team, particularly during challenging moments. The new coach will need the backing of fans to navigate difficult fixtures and inspire the players to achieve greatness.
Whether through attending matches, cheering from home, or engaging positively on social media, Nigerians can play their part in creating an environment where the new coach and the Super Eagles feel appreciated and motivated to succeed.
- The Super Eagles’ Potential
The Super Eagles remain one of the most talented teams in Africa, with a rich history and a promising future. Nigeria consistently produces world-class players, many of whom are making waves in top European leagues.
The new coach has the tools to mold this talent into a formidable force, but their success hinges on the support they receive from fans, the media, and the footballing community. By rallying behind the coach, Nigerians are giving them the platform to unlock the team’s full potential.
- A Platform for Legacy
For any coach, leading a team like the Super Eagles is a significant opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Supporting the coach ensures they have the chance to write their own chapter in Nigerian football history.
Whether it is through winning major tournaments, qualifying for the World Cup, or developing the next generation of Super Eagles stars, the coach’s legacy can only be achieved with the support of a united footballing nation.
- Constructive Criticism Over Negativity
Supporting the new coach does not mean blind loyalty. It is important to hold the coach accountable and evaluate their decisions. However, criticism should be constructive and aimed at fostering improvement, rather than tearing the coach down.
Nigerians must strike a balance between expressing their opinions and maintaining a positive outlook. A supportive environment, coupled with healthy discourse, can drive better outcomes for the team.
The appointment of a new Super Eagles head coach is a pivotal moment for Nigerian football. While skepticism and questions are natural, it is crucial for Nigerians to rally behind the coach, offering their unwavering support as they undertake the task of leading the team.
Success in football is not achieved in isolation; it requires the collective effort of players, coaches, administrators, and fans. By supporting the new head coach, Nigerians are contributing to the growth and success of the Super Eagles, ensuring that the team continues to inspire and unite the nation for years to come.
Let us remember that football is a team sport not just on the pitch, but off it as well. The coach, players, and fans must work together to achieve greatness. Now is the time to put our differences aside, focus on the future, and show the world why the Super Eagles are a force to be reckoned with.
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