ICC hails Nigeria’s ‘remarkable growth in cricket’

William Glenwright, the head of global development for International Cricket Council (ICC), has described Nigeria as a priority member of the council due to the “upswing of cricket activities in the country in recent times”.

The ICC chief spoke in Lagos on Wednesday during the tour of the Cricket World Cup trophy.

Glenwright said the world cricket authorities were in Nigeria to “learn from the cricket federation’s route to success in a short time with a view to applying it elsewhere for other member federations”.

Among other officials of the ICC at the carnival-like Lagos event include Patricia Kambarami, ICC regional development manager – Africa; Eddy Fwamba, trophy tour manager; and Rohit Poddar, ICC member services.

“We are delighted by Nigeria’s increasing recruitment of school-age kids into cricket, upward progression of male and female national teams, facility development and international awards the Nigeria Cricket Federation has won recently,” he said.

“The international community wishes to support Nigeria in their growth and aspirations. As ICC, we have a role to play in supporting Nigeria and this is why we are here to see how we can further assist.”

Uyi Akpata, president of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), said he was elated by the presence of cricket stakeholders across all spectrums.

“The feedback from dignitaries as well as African associate countries has been excellent. And everyone has really come through for us right from Tuesday when the trophy was displayed in Abuja, with the Sports Minister joining in despite just settling in office,” Akpata said.

The World Cup trophy departed Nigeria on Thursday for South Africa — the third African country after Uganda and Nigeria.