Sports
Rousing Reception As ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy touches down Abuja
Joel Ajayi
It was a Celebration Galore, excitement to the core and fun as the original ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy made a second triumphant entry to Nigeria for the second time in four years.
The trophy which weighs about 11 kilograms and stands at 650mm-has a golden globe held by three silver columns and was displayed at the symbolic Zuma Rock of the Federal Capital Territory by ICC and Nigeria Cricket Federation officials.
The World Cup trophy arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, amidst celebration as the trophy made its way to popular Zuma Rock In Zuba before it was displayed inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Nigeria’s Capital city where fans, and stakeholders, had a glance of the most prestigious trophy in the game of cricket.
The trophy will leave for Lagos on Wednesday, August 30th, where a reception has been planned by the Lagos cricket community at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval.
The trophy which departs from Lagos on Wednesday will continue its tour of 18 countries with an imminent arrival in South Africa on Thursday. The silverware was launched into the stratosphere completing 120,000 feet above the earth before a groundbreaking landing at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Receiving the trophy on behalf of the Federal government inside Abuja National Stadium, Minister of Sports Senator John Enoh whose joy was visible commended ICC and Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) for steadily improving the game with regular activities.
Minister assured of the readiness of the current administration in developing sports in Nigeria. “My hope is that we are going to break new ground and make sports actually become what it should be in terms of job creation, security amongst others.
“The tour is very significant and Nigeria is privileged to be among the two countries in Africa to have the trophy. As Minister, I will give all the support to be part of the success and growth of all the sports federations.”
He congratulated Nigerians on the hostage.
Also speaking an excited President of Nigeria Cricket Federation NCF, Uyi Akpata said: Cricket has been making remarkable progress in the last five years saying that the federation will not relent in its effort to ensure more growth of the cricket in the country and beyond.
He attributed the second coming of the trophy to Nigeria’s rising profile in the game.
“Today, the Cricket trophy is here and we are happy and its an opportunity to show our culture and our strength as a nation.
“Certainly, Nigeria won’t take back foot again in cricket, rather we will continue to initiate developmental programs geared towards popularizing the game, and we have set another target of recruiting 500, 000 Nigerians into the game every year as of 2024.” He said.
However, NCF has introduced over one million entrants to cricket in the last four years.
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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