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ICC Pleased with The Progress of Cricket in Nigeria

Published

6 years ago

June 18, 2019

…Say Nigeria has potential to rule the world

Joel Ajayi

The International Cricket Council ICC, has commended the progress recorded in the Game of Cricket in Nigeria in the last few years saying that Nigeria has huge potentials to be among the best country in the world if needed support is given the game.

ICC’s Senior Manager For Development Services Mr Hobbs answering questions from Journalists in Abuja.

The ICC’s Senior Manager for Development Services, Mr Andy Hobbs, who led an ICC delegation 360 review tour team to Nigeria said this on Monday during a press briefing/interaction with Journalist inside the newly named MKO Abiola National Stadium, in Abuja.

He expressed that, the Nigeria performance at international competition is tremendious especially at recently concluded Under-19 competition where Nigeria picked the World Cup ticket.

According to him, the purpose of this project is about working in partnership with Nigeria Cricket Federation to understand how cricket can significantly grow in Nigeria.

“We have 105 countries in the world, cricket is the second biggest sport in the world, there is world cup going on in England, the game between India and Pakistan have about 1.5 billion audience so, cricket is the huge sports around the world.

“So, the interest is very high, we are happy with progress made so far in Nigeria and our aim is to grow the game more.

“Nigeria, we feel, has huge potentials. It has a long tradition of cricket and we believe the country has what it takes to do well.”

Speaking further, Hobbs added that the exploits of Nigerian teams in international competitions recently showed how important the game could be in Nigeria.

“I have to commend the wonderful performance of Nigeria under 19 team who will be in the world cup in South Africa next year.

“So, we are here to hear from different people, to see how we can work together, hear people few about cricket in Nigeria and what need to do to improve on it.

“We believe cricket can be popular and grow well in this country in partnership with NCF, so we want to meet people hear them and make the recommendation that will bring change and take the game of cricket to the next level.”

Also, speaking at the event, the President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, NCF, Prof. Yahaya Ukwanya who marked two years in office said his board was able to take the game to a higher level since taking over leadership of the cricket in the country.

While narrating the achievement so far, NCF boss said apart from developing a constitution for the federation, his board had been able to improve facilities nationwide while also taking the game to the doorstep of all Nigerians.

He said: “the board in his strive have increased the number of players, improvement of the domestic competition as well as excellent in administration and governance which has brought a lot of progress to the game in the country.

“We are doing team building from the U19 to the senior levels, bringing in new philosophies that have translated into improved outings in international competitions,” he said.

However, ICC delegation and NCF board entertained a lot of questions raised at interactive session and promised to ensure the growth of the game in Nigeria.

The interactive session continue on Tuesday Abuja the Nigeria’s Capital City before heading to Lagos on Wednesday where the consultation and interactions will continue before departing on Sunday 23rd June 2019.

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Featured

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

Published

6 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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