Nigeria Cricket Federation Expands Grassroots Reach with 300 Starter Kits

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has taken a major step in expanding the sport’s reach across the country by distributing more than 300 cricket starter kits to schools and communities spanning all six geopolitical zones.

The distribution forms part of the second phase of the federation’s 9ja Kids Cricket initiative, an ICC Criiio-inspired grassroots programme aimed at nurturing young talent and building interest in the sport nationwide.

At a ceremony held on Saturday, NCF unveiled six new sets of cricket equipment — including bats, balls, and stumps — with eight more bundles expected to be rolled out before the end of the year.

The launch coincided with a high-level two-day conference hosted by the NCF, bringing together top cricket officials from across Africa. Among the attendees were the Chairman of ICC Associate Members, Usman Mubashshir, and presidents of the cricket federations from Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

NCF President Uyi Akpata stressed the importance of building the game from the ground up.
“High performance starts at the grassroots,” Akpata said. “That’s why this initiative is so crucial. By spreading cricket to every part of Nigeria and sustaining it year after year, we are laying a foundation for long-term success—not just in Nigeria, but across the continent and globally.”

Mubashshir echoed those sentiments, commending the NCF’s commitment to development.
“Growth in cricket depends on unity and collaboration,” he said. “What Nigeria is doing is inspiring, and it reflects a broader movement among associate nations. We will continue to support such efforts because that’s how we grow—together.”

The summit also provided a platform for strategic discussions on cricket’s future in Africa, with a focus on the upcoming ILT20 Africa tournament set to take place in Rwanda in October 2025. Delegates explored ways to boost youth participation, enhance infrastructure, and foster stronger regional partnerships to advance the sport across the continent.