An eager assembly of over 400 students from both public and private schools across Lagos State warmly embraced the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour at the Tafawa Balewa Square Oval pitch in Lagos. The visit left an indelible mark on their aspirations.
In conversations with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, these students shared their excitement and motivation sparked by the trophy tour. Hailing mainly from secondary schools in Ikorodu, Lagos State, the students relished the rare chance to engage with global cricket.
Hephzibah Abebefe, a student at Crown Grace College in Ikorodu, spoke of her fervent ambition to become a professional cricket player, which drew her to the trophy tour. “Being here to see the cup is like a dream come true,” she shared animatedly. “Perhaps, in years to come, we will participate in the World Cup, a splendid dream indeed.”
Glory Alamu, a Senior Secondary School Three student at Crown Grace College, disclosed how televised cricket matches had captivated her interest. “Seeing the World Cup here in Lagos is a tremendous motivation,” she revealed. “We hadn’t anticipated such an event; maybe some competitions, but having the World Cup here is truly unforgettable.”
For Okikiola Alabi from the same institution, cricket’s appeal had grown over time. “Initially, I found cricket dull,” he admitted. “But now I’m genuinely fascinated by the game and aspire to join the national team.”
Isaac Okpubigbo, representing the Mighty Pillars Club, highlighted cricket’s potential for both economic growth and entertainment. “Cricket can draw spectators to stadiums much like football does,” he noted. “If we invest earnestly, we can see the game flourish.”
Shadrach Oke, another cricket enthusiast, expressed his contentment at the presence of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour in Lagos. “Lagos possesses the necessary facilities; what we need to focus on is organising more local and international matches,” he suggested.
The trophy tour event boasted the participation of key International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives, including ICC Development Manager William Glenwright and Rohet Roda, Senior Manager of ICC Member Services, from Africa and Nigeria. The comprehensive showcase included student exhibition matches and captivating cultural performances, among other activities.
In a vibrant display of cricket fervour, more than 400 students and cricket enthusiasts from Lagos State converged at the Cricket Oval in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, to warmly welcome the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour.
Distinguished ICC figures from Africa and Nigeria, including William Glenwright, ICC Development Manager, and Rohet Roda, Senior Manager of ICC Member Services, graced the occasion. Patricia Kambarau, ICC Africa Development Manager, Eddy Wamba, Trophy Tour Manager, Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), and Amit Sharma, Managing Director of Nissan Nigeria, were also in attendance.
Glenwright underscored the tour’s role in nurturing cricket within member associations. He expressed his delight at the prospects of cricket’s growth in Nigeria and commended the ambitious players who aspire to play in the ICC World Cup.
Uyi Akpata, NCF President, articulated the profound significance of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour being hosted in Nigeria. He highlighted Nigeria’s identification as a country showcasing positive results in cricket’s developmental programs. He emphasized the collaborative ties with other countries, such as South Africa, to strengthen player placements and partnerships.
Captain of Nigeria’s Men’s Cricket team, Stanley Okpe, expressed his anticipation for the World Cup. He stressed that the trophy tour serves as an immense motivation for the players and encourages greater parental involvement and support for the sport.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour showcased a dynamic range of activities, including exhibition matches by students and captivating cultural performances.
