The four-day ICC Level 2 Cricket Coaching Course concluded on a high note in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, marking yet another milestone in the continuous development of cricket coaching in West Africa. The course, which commenced on Wednesday, 12th June and ended on Sunday, 15th June 2025, brought together passionate and aspiring coaches from Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
Held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja, the coaching course was facilitated by two renowned coach educators from Cricket South Africa — Anthonie Ferreira and Chris Cardoso. Over the four days, participants engaged in intensive theoretical and practical sessions to elevate their coaching proficiency and understanding of the modern game.
The cohort included notable participants such as Kwamina Enu Thompson and Daniel Essel-Sawyerr from Ghana; Abubakarr Kamara and Mohammed Mansaray from Sierra Leone; and several Nigerians, including Ademola Adeniyi Onikoyi, Afani Abdulhamid Ali, Agatha Uadiale, Onwujiobi Azuka, and Salako Azeez Adekunle. Others from Nigeria were Justin Prosper Okere, Oluseye Olympio Ali, Leonard Onome Oghenekevwe, Okechukwu Onwudiwe, Richard Ikiponmwen Osamudiamen, Patrick Offong Edidiong, Okafor Somtochukwu Odinaka, Victor Umukoro Omerusure, Matthew Aghahowa Efosa, Awobola Yusuf, and Friday Udoh.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) expressed the Federation’s deep appreciation to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for selecting Nigeria as the host country for this critical coaching program. He noted that the Federation remains committed to raising the standard of coaching across all levels in Nigeria as part of its broader development agenda.
“Our goal is to ensure that coaches nationwide are equipped with the latest skills, knowledge, and methodologies to help shape the next generation of cricketers. This course is a testament to that commitment,” the NCF President said.
He also took the opportunity to commend the ICC for its continued support, particularly in offering Nigerian coach Daniel Gim the opportunity to participate in the ICC Level 3 Coaching Course held earlier this year in Bahrain — a landmark achievement for the nation’s cricket coaching ecosystem.
With renewed energy and enhanced skillsets, the participants now return to their respective countries and states, ready to implement their learning and contribute meaningfully to the growth of cricket in the region.