The ICC World Cup trophy landed in Nigeria on the 11th of February 2019 at the Nnadi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja and was received by the president of the Federation Prof.Yahaya Ukwenya. A dance troop from the Ministry of Arts and culture accompanied by Miss Tourism 2016 Miss Ogenna Ekwubiri, NCF board member, Staff and well wishers all at the airport to receive the delegates from ICC. The trophy Moved straight to the Velodrome, Package A. National Stadium where it was presented to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports development, Mr. Olosola Olusade who represented the Honorable Minister, FMYSD Barr. Solomon Dalung.
Activities ended at the Velodrome by 6:pm before trophy left the to the Sheraton Hotels where it rested for the day.
Day 2 resumed early with the first visit to the Musa Shehu yar’adua Center where a brief history of the Nigeria was narrated to the ICC Officials and photo sessions were taking also. the Trophy moved to the Katampe hills which marked the center point of Nigeria and finally to the City game where traditional dance troops performed with the trophy, with photo sessions as well.
The Trophy left the City Gate and headed to the airport en-route Lagos state.
In Lagos, the trophy was received by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Akinwumi Ambode. and flanked by NCF officials and stake holders.
on the 13th, the trophy resumed its tour at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval where it was met with a huge crowd of fans and Cricket enthusiast with each group relishing the opportunity to take photographs with the trophy.
The President of the Federation could not contain his excitement as he called the world cup trophy tour a blessing to Cricket in Nigeria and he was glad that the world cup trophy actually touched the Nigeria soil for the first time during his administration.
Special Guest and surprise package for the trophy tour was the presence of Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Nigeria football Legend who’s first game was Cricket before making the swap. The presence of the ICC world cup trophy to Nigeria has rejuvenated every Cricket fan in the country as well as increased the level of awareness and interest.
