Cricket Gains Momentum in Nigeria
It has been a busy last few months for cricket in Nigeria.
Driven by their passionate Chairman Dr Kwesi Sagoe and the development organization, The Howzat Foundation For Cricket, the game continues to experience solid growth and a more prominent public profile.
A 20/20 competition has been planned to take place in the state of Lagos at the end of the 2008 season as reported by The Nigerian Guardian
In this report Dr Sagoe reflects on the performances of the 2007 under-19 squad.
Nigeria has also appointed consultancy firms to assist in marketing and sponsorship activities.
Ladies cricket is on the rise and and plans are underway to construct two turf pitches in 2008.
It seems there is plenty happening in Nigeria at the moment. Although these initiatives won’t transform Nigerian cricket into a super-power overnight, we can safely say that the wheels are turning. Cricket needs a strong West African presence.
The mere fact that cricket is now featured in Nigerian newspapers is a good sign.
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Global Cricket
I thought it was about time I started my own blog. I have followed associate and affiliate cricket since 1998. Tony Munro’s BTTW column was a great inspiration. Global Cricket will specifically focus on the non-test playing cricket nations of the world. At present there are 91 countries that have associate or affiliate membership of The International Cricket Council. Most of these nations aspire to play at the highest level. How are they bridging the gap in standards? Do they have good facilities, strong development programs and sound administrative practices in place? There is a need for cricket to embrace a more diverse cultural outlook if it is to prosper in the future. The ICC’s global development program was first initiated in 1997 and began to really take shape after the 2001 ICC Trophy in Toronto, Canada. Although a new cricketing powerhouse is yet to emerge, it is clear that standards are improving dramatically and in time more nations will be able to compete with the 10 full members. I will be featuring newspaper articles of interest, opinion pieces and articles written by myself and some ideas about expanding the game. Please feel free to comment.-Ben Stinga
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Looking at last year’s African U19 results must make depressing reading for fans of Nigerian cricket. There were defeats by 7 wickets, 153 runs, 244 runs, 283 runs, and 315 runs. They also lost 4 out of 4 in Africn Division 2 in 2006. Why are the results so bad? It’s fine to be supportive, but for an Associate team this isn’t good enough. What has gone wrong?
Yep, I agree Tom.
Considering the high number of players they have in various development programs, the performance of the under-19 side was astonishing.
I wonder if their talent identification methods need refining?
We all know how much “odd” selections can cost teams at this level.
I want to see you in person on how I can promote the game in schools in Lagos.
Please kindly reply me soon.