Nigeria is a Priority Member of ICC, Says Glenwright

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has described Nigeria as a priority member of the Council, given the upswing of cricket activities in the country in recent times.

ICC’s General Manager, Development, William Glenwright, made this remarks at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval during the Lagos leg stopover of the Cricket World Cup Trophy.

According to him, “Nigeria is a priority member for us, a fast-growing country, and we want to learn from the cricket federation, the board, and the staff and what they are doing that is so successful, so that we can apply that elsewhere in the world for other members to be equally as successful as Nigeria.”

Glenwright is particularly enthused by how Nigeria has been increasing recruitment of school age kids into the game and the upward progression of both male and female national teams as well as facility developments.

“This is also for us to better understand how the international community can better support Nigeria in their growth and aspirations. They are very ambitious, they have bright plans for international cricket, and also the development of the game for men and women. We have  a role to play in supporting them on that and this week, we want to see how we can further assist them.” 

Earlier, the World Cup Trophy, which was making a second Tour of Nigeria in four years, was in Abuja on Tuesday, where it was received by the Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Eno.

At the Tafawa Balewa Square  in Lagos, Patricia Kambarami, ICC Regional Development Manager – Africa, Eddy Fwamba, Trophy Tour Manager and Rohit Poddar, ICC Member (Services), were also on ground to add colour to the carnival atmosphere. 

Elated President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, said that hosting the Trophy has been worth it for the country, and it will further strengthen the resolve of the stakeholders to drive the development agenda deeper.

“I’m super excited that this has happened. All the key stakeholders are here, and we have been recognised by ICC. You can see from the presence of the dignitaries here, that have oversight of African associate countries.

“From the feedback, it has been excellent, and everyone has come through for us right from yesterday (Tuesday) when the new Minister of Sports Development  joined us despite just settling into office. We have shown that TBS and Lagos is the home of cricket,” concludes the NCF President.

The Trophy departed Nigeria yesterday for South Africa, the third African country it is meant to visit (after Uganda and Nigeria).