N.C.F BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND TURF WICKET PITCH IN ABUJA

 

The Nigeria Cricket Federation has begun the construction of the second turf wicket pitch in Abuja. The Covid-19 Pandemic currently ravaging sports across the world and Nigeria has not prevented the Federation from gainfully engaging in activities that will drive the process of growth and development during and post Covid-19.

 

The construction of the second pitch is geared towards upgrading the standard of facilities in the country which will also increase the level of the game across all age groups and categories. As part of the 5 key development pillars of the present board when they were inaugurated in July 2017, construction and upgrade of facilities across the country is not negotiable, players will be able to practice on similar surfaces as experienced during tournaments outside the country. Above all, Nigeria with world class facilities will be capable and eligible for hosting ICC international tournaments.

 

Other construction expected on the site besides the pitch include a high performance center for players, outdoor net facility for practice, sitting pavilion with offices and club house, car park to mention the least. Other facilities across the country like the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket oval in Lagos, Crocodile Cricket club ground in Kaduna and also on the front burner to be upgraded to turf pitches.

 

According to the President of the Federation Prof. Yahaya Adam Ukwenya, the upgrade and construction of pitches will be in phases with the present construction of the second pitch in Abuja and the Tafawa Balewa Square Astro turf pitch converted to proper grass wicket as the main focus for now. Phase 2 of the overall project will include high performance centers across the 6 geo-political zones with numerous outdoor practice nets in the various states to give access to players across the country. ‘’The high point will be to successfully construct a boarding facility alongside the Abuja pitches in the near future that can accommodate players using the high performance facility and also for the purpose of local and international tournaments he said’’

 

As government eases lockdown across the country, the second construction will continue and hopefully the ground can be ready for use post Covid-19 era. Periodic update on the pitch will be reported.

 

 

MUSA EHIZOJE BODIE

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (NCF)