Uyi Akpata, president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), says he is optimistic that the sport will get a medal for the country at the forthcoming 13th African Games in Ghana.

Mr Akpata said Tuesday in Abuja that he had no doubt the sport would make a podium finish in March.

While cricket will be featuring for the first time at the games, the country’s male and female teams gained automatic qualification based on rankings.

He explained, “Our performance at the T20 Men and Women’s World Cup Africa qualifiers in Namibia and Uganda in 2023 got the rest of Africa and the world asking about what we do in Nigeria. 

“We really haven’t had extensive travels and tours to improve the players but I am impressed with the performance of the technical crew.” 

Mr Akpata explained that the investment made in high-performance centres “has been rewarding” and that “everyone can attest to the improvement of the game in the country, and I am optimistic that we have a chance for a medal in either the male or female events.”

He added, “The Edo Cricket League is ongoing and soon we will begin the National Under 17 qualifiers in a few weeks as well as host the NCF Women’s Invitational in February before heading for Ghana. So, preparations are in top gear for the teams to have a good outing in Ghana.”

The cricket event will be played at the Achimota Oval in the Games scheduled for March 8 to 23.

(NAN)