In a significant development for Nigerian cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed two Nigerian umpires, Musa Bodie and Olumide Akintokun, to be part of the Playing Control Team (PCT) for the upcoming U-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Africa Division 2. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 31st to August 14th, 2024, in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The tournament will see Nigeria’s Junior Yellow Greens competing in Group B against host nation Tanzania, Mozambique, and West African neighbour Ghana. Group A will feature teams from Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Botswana, and Malawi.
In the ICC’s second circular sent to participating nations, Bodie and Akintokun were listed among the officials for the tournament, marking a proud moment for Nigerian cricket.
*Tournament Referee & Umpires*
The Tournament Referee will be Mr. Emmanuel Dube from Zimbabwe. The Playing Control Team will comprise the following umpires:
1. Claus Schumacher (Namibia)
2. David Odhiambo (Kenya)
3. Isaac Oyieko (Kenya)
4. Patrick Makumbi (Uganda)
5. Simon Kintu (Uganda)
6. Adil Kassam (Tanzania)
7. Chris Gasana (Rwanda)
8. Musa Bodie (Nigeria)
9. Olumide Akintokun (Nigeria)
This appointment is a testament to the growing recognition of Nigerian cricket on the international stage. The Junior Yellow Greens will be looking to make their mark in the tournament, with the support of experienced officials from their home country.