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

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

19 hours ago

November 8, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.

In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.

“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.

The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.

Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.

Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.

She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.

According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.

“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.

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