The President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Mr. Uyi Akpata, on Friday led the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) team to tour and operate cricket training nets in the Uyo metropolis. During the visit, Mr.Akpata lauded the giant contribution of Akwa Ibom cricketers before the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Ebong Uko, who was represented by the Director of Sports on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The ICC delegation was in Nigeria for a two-day World Cup trophy tour, but insisted on seeing the country’s developmental success in other areas, particularly women’s cricket development.“When the ICC officials wanted to go to Nigeria and said we should deliberately go somewhere outside Lagos and Abuja, who would have the credibility of our agenda other than Akwa Ibom State involved in the diversity of cricket?
Akwa Ibom has stabilized in the last ten years.It has been the biggest pipeline of our women’s national team. So, in the last ten years I can’t remember where there was endless cricket and four consistent players in the national team. “So as of today, I know that Akwa Ibom players are among the top female cricketers in Africa, Blessing Etim national captain, Esther Sandy-opening batsman, Sarah Etim-wicket-keeper and Salome Sunday.What is most instructive is that these talents have developed because of nothing but the passion and dedication of the people here – the Akwa Ibom players and stakeholders. “When we consider where to give something back to the development of the game, it is obvious that it will be Akwa Ibom.
When we got properly aligned, we made a request about two years ago and said that we want a place where we can create our hub for cricket in the state. We thank the state government for partnering and providing space for net construction and pitch development.We are proud to have this kind of partnership with the government.” Mr. Akpata expressed his happiness.
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One of the highlights of the visit was the presentation of the national team jersey to Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno as an honorary team member of the Nigeria national cricket team.The exercise was conducted by the NCF President and was received by the Director of Sports on behalf of the Governor.
The construction of the cricket practice net was sponsored by the PET Foundation with Mrs. Uyi Akpata as the Chairman of the Foundation Board.The net was commissioned for immediate use at the playground of Community Secondary Commercial School, Ibiaku Itam along Calabar-Itu road, Uyo. Among the dignitaries present at the commission was the representative of the commissioner.Effioke Duff, and Prof. Emm Bassey, Bar. Etetim Onuk, Itu Council Chairman, Hon Peter Edem, Director of School Sports, Mr. Emmanuel Ebong. Also in the ICC entourage were Mr. William Glenwright, General Manager, ICC Development, and Mr. Rohit Poddar, Senior Manager, Member Services.
Others include the ICC Regional Development Manager for Africa, Mrs. Patricia Kambarami and the General Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Mr. Emeka Igwilo. Mr. Akpata further observed that the second visit of the ICC has made other African countries jealous of Nigeria.“For our special guests, this is their second visit to Nigeria in a very short period of time, it is overwhelming to see this partnership with the government and the media thing happening at the same time. I mean 19 other countries in Africa will be jealous of the ICC tour of Nigeria in no time. But they encourage us, especially when they see the inspiration and action that comes from a very good partnership with the government.
This is why we are here and I am sure they will see for themselves the opportunities that exist. thank you so much.” Another program held at the school grounds was Naija Kids Cricket where about 250 children participated in a 2-day cricket clinic.
The NCF aims to introduce 500 youngsters to the game of cricket every year and the NCF president said the model has been deployed in Akwa Ibom as a standard.Many sports fans believed that if Akwa Ibom State can produce 5 female players for the national women’s team by playing on school grounds, the training net experience will surely lead to next achievements for the country with the proposed donation of cricket ovals.
