As part Cricket development across the country, the President Yahaya Ukwenya led Board of the the Nigeria Cricket Federation has gone one step further in addressing one of the the most important aspect of the game which is facility upgrade. In the quest to improve Cricket Facilities across the country to be at par with international standards, the Federation engaged in professional consultancy with Mr. Hilbert Smit, Professional Ground’s Man for Cricket South Africa.
Mr Hilbert who was in Nigeria on a 3 days consultancy visit from 4th -6th April, inspected the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos and the 2 Cricket Oval under construction at the National Stadium Abuja.
Also visited was the IBB Golf course in Abuja which provided variety of grass specie samples that would suitable for a cricket Oval.
Areas of further discussions include
- Oval Construction
- Turf Construction,
- Irrigation Sytem
- Grassing and
- Maintenance
The President of the Federation who personally led the tour promised to discuss with his board to provide a sustainable pathway in achieving the desired result in regards to improving the Cricket Facilities across the country.
In an interview with the Media, Mr. Hilbert expressed optimism in the prospect of Nigeria Cricket. He stated that with the right facilities, Nigeria could be the next emerging giants in the game from the continent of Africa.
Also Present during the inspection were;
Mr. Sanmi Ajayi………………………..Board Member
Mr. Mr Taiwo Oriss…………………..Sec.Gen (N.C.F)
Mr. Musa Ehizoje……………………..P.R.O (N.C.F)
Mr. Peter Yakubu………………………R.D.O (North Central)
Mr. Francis Ategeka…………………Chief Grounds Man (Abuja)
