Prof. Yahaya Ukwenya, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), on Sunday said the upcoming National Men’s Championship was key to the country’s international engagement later this year.
Ukwenya, in a statement, said the event which would hold from Monday to March 31 at the Edo Boys High School in Benin, would enhance the country’s preparation.
“The forthcoming 10-day Championship is a key event on NCF calendar, given the weight of international commitments that the country is committed to later in the year.
“For us, this Championship is the first on the list of activities that will form the moulding of a stronger national team both for the under-19 and, more importantly, the senior men’s team.
“We have three World Cup tickets to vie for later in the year, hoping that the COVID-19 pandemic’s tide will continually be stemmed as it is presently being done now.
“Our teams will participate in the U-19 World Cup, Senior Men’s T-20 World and the Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
“Nigeria will be hosting two of the World Cup Qualifiers in October and November. So, I believe the Men’s Championship will serve as a key preparatory event for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Ukwenya added that the eight teams which would feature at the championship are Lagos, Edo, Anambra and Kwara in Pool A, while Kaduna, Rivers, Delta and Oyo will slug it out in Pool B.
Endurance Ofem, the tournament coordinator, said also in the statement that the event would be the first test for any player willing to pick a shirt in the national team later in the year.
“This event is very crucial to future engagements, both locally and internationally.
“We have provided the best condition for the top teams to thrive and we believe the venue too will help us better in allowing the players express their talents as well, “he said.
Ofem also disclosed that the National Coach, Asanka Gurusinha, would be on ground with his assistants to identify outstanding players for the national team.
