Nigeria clinched the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Cricket Initiative of The Year 2023 in Africa on Wednesday. The accolade honored the PwC National U-17 Championship, which has been running for five years.
Among the 21 nations recognized by the ICC for their impactful efforts both on and off the field, Nigeria stood out for its commitment to cricket development.
In a statement, the ICC highlighted Nigeria Cricket Federation’s U-17 Cricket Championship, acknowledging its role in providing competitive opportunities for young boys and girls nationwide.
Related News: Tunde Onakoya and Other Nigerian Guinness World Record Breakers
Nigeria, alongside other regional winners globally, will now vie for the global awards in each category through a voting process.
NCF President, Uyi Akpata, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the achievement. He praised the support from partners like PwC, attributing the success to their shared developmental initiatives.
Sam Abu, Country Senior Partner at PwC Nigeria, echoed Akpata’s sentiments, underscoring the significance of the award in validating their belief in cricket’s potential to empower youth on a global scale.
This recognition marks Nigeria’s fourth honor in recent times, showcasing the country’s strides in cricket development. Previous accolades include regional wins for the ‘Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of The Year’ and the ‘100 per cent Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of The Year.’
You can also read: NDLEA and NPFL Take Action: Drug Testing to Ensure Clean Football