Akpata Urges Inclusion of Cricket as Scoring Sport at Niger Delta Games

By Kanu Samuel

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has once again called for cricket to be upgraded to a scoring category at the Niger Delta Games (NDG).

The President of the NCF, Uyi Akpata, made the appeal at Edo Boys High School, Ugbowo, formerly Adolor College, where a second Under-17 exhibition match was staged as part of activities for the second edition of the Games. A similar demonstration fixture was held during the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State last year.

Represented by Tonye Timinandi, the NCF’s National Development Manager, Akpata emphasised that the Federation’s development programmes would receive a significant boost through an annual competition such as the NDG.

“Nigeria has now advanced to the highest levels of cricket development globally.

We have consistently ranked among the top five nations in the world in the T20 format, and being recognised as a scoring sport at the NDG will further prepare our young talents for international competitions,” he stated.

Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Lead Consultant for Dunamis-Icon Limited, the rights holders of the NDG, commended the NCF for its impressive progress in youth development and assured that the proposal would be carefully considered.

Represented by the Games Project Director, Fred Edoreh, the Main Organising Committee Co-Chairman reiterated that the Games provide opportunities for meaningful collaboration, particularly in youth development initiatives.

“We will certainly evaluate this proposal, and I am confident we can work together, as our shared objective remains to utilise sport as a platform for youth development across the Niger Delta region,” Edoreh remarked.

The exhibition matches, held in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, featured teams from the NCF and the NDDC.

Players were selected from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, with coaches from the respective states also participating in the programme.

Harry Iwuala, Chairman of the Communication and Media Committee of the second NDG, accompanied Edoreh to the event.

Also present with Timinandi were Mr Onome Oghenekevwe Leonard, NCF Regional Development Officer (South-South); Oviawe Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association; and Ambassador Theophilus Ibodeme, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.

Others in attendance included Osasu Agbonwanegbe, Senior Special Adviser to the NCF President; Kelvin Agbonwanegbe, Special Assistant to the NCF President; and Marvellous Oyiwui, Chairman of Umpires and Scorers.