The National Sports Commission (NSC) has approved a foreign training tour in India for the Nigeria U19 Women’s Cricket Team as they prepare to participate in the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Malaysia from January 18, 2025.
Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the NSC, disclosed that the Commission is collaborating with the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) to provide logistical, technical, and financial support, ensuring the team delivers an impressive performance.
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“Starting the year with Nigeria’s maiden participation at the Cricket World Cup for our U19 girls is a big deal for us at the Commission, and we are not taking it for granted at all,” Olopade stated.
He commended the efforts of Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, for the progress in developing cricket in the country, adding, “This is the very first time Nigeria will feature at any level of a cricket World Cup, and it shows the level of silent work being done by the NCF.”
Olopade also highlighted the alignment of this milestone with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE) campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to empower young Nigerians, especially girls, through sports.
“These are young girls, just 19 years old, representing Nigeria on the global stage. They need all the support they can get, from Nigerians and the media,” he emphasized.
Arrangements are already underway for the team’s training tour in India, which will serve as a critical preparation phase before heading to Malaysia for the World Cup.
Nigeria is one of four nations making their debut in the 16-team tournament, alongside Samoa, Nepal, and host Malaysia. Defending champions India will look to retain their title, having defeated England in the 2023 final in South Africa.
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