The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), players, and cricket enthusiasts in Nigeria are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy, which is set to arrive in the country on Tuesday for a two-day tour.
Following its inclusion in the 2019 tour, Nigeria has once again been selected to participate in the trophy parade, alongside South Africa and Uganda, ahead of the ODI World Cup, which will take place in India from October 5 to November 19.
On Tuesday morning, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy will be received in Abuja by board members of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF). Later that day, the trophy will be unveiled by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, at the indoor sports hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
In addition to the unveiling ceremony, there will also be a photo shoot at a few landmarks in the Federal Capital Territory and a public display of the trophy.
The trophy will be moved to Lagos on Wednesday, where it will be received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy tour will culminate at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval at Onikan, Lagos, with a cultural fiesta, photoshoot, public display, and cricket activities from young players.
The President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, said that the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has pledged his full support to the federation.
“Despite the short time the minister had to settle down before our request came in to play our chief host for the World Cup, he has embraced it, and also pledged magnanimous support for the event.”
“We, more importantly, would like to use the occasion to galvanize more support for the game, and also appreciate all stakeholders for the support they have lent the game over time,” Akpata said.