A decade ago, cricket in Nigeria was a sport overshadowed by other athletics, particularly football-which even has a TV show dedicated to it. Fast-forward to today and things look much different.
Over the last few years, cricket has spread like wildfire throughout Nigeria, reaching more people than ever and creating a continuously growing base of excited fans. The environment in which the sport has also changed dramatically, leading to a more supportive ecosystem in which the game can grow.
How did this happen? Read on to find out how the sport is slowly taking over the country and boosting Nigeria into the world cricketing scene and the good graces of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
History of Cricket in Nigeria
Like in almost all African countries, cricket was first brought to Nigeria by British colonialists. Estimated to have occurred in the 19th century, the game didn’t gain much traction. The first significant step in the sport happened when Nigeria faced Ghana (then called the Gold Coast) in a competition in 1904.
At the time, the Nigerian national team consisted entirely of colonialists and failed to highlight any local talent. This structure continued for years, with local cricketing frameworks plagued by disinterest from residents, financial mismanagement and challenges, and uncertainty on how to properly manage a local sporting body.
The development of the sport was so slow that it took 53 years for the country to form a governing body. In 1957, the Nigerian Cricket Association (NCA) was formed. This was renamed to the Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF) in 2006 but continues the same function of overseeing all aspects of the game within the country.
The formation of the NCA was a massive leap forward. However, the sport still failed to catch on, and it wasn’t until 45 years after the governing body’s formation that the country had enough exposure to apply to the ICC. The country’s application to become an associate member was granted in 2002.
Since the county’s entrance to the ICC as an associate member, cricket has become more popular among residents. Today, it is the fifth most enjoyed sport in the country, and its ranking is predicted to rise.
Youth and Local Focus
One key reason for cricket’s growth and success in the country is a massive focus on youth and local player development. In previous decades, the sport was limited to students attending select private schools. Now, more than 100 schools across the country offer the sport, making it more accessible to everyone.
Besides having a broader reach in schools, the NCF actively promotes the sport among the younger generation. Hosting multiple yearly tournaments for under-15 and under-17 players, the organization has helped establish a robust competitive environment among male and female players.
Specific opportunities are also made available each year for adult players. These include active leagues taking place in multiple provinces within the country. These leagues are used as proving grounds for players to show their skills and talents while hoping to be selected for the national squad.
In using this league structure for youth and adults, the NCF has made its priorities well known. Even the organization’s president is on record for stating that he could easily call British Nigerian players to represent the country and help them reach massive success. However, he favors home-grown talents that have been nurtured on Nigerian soil.
While this approach may mean a slower rise to glory for the African country, it has proven effective so far. With stars like Prosper Useni and Ridwan Abdulkareem appearing on the country’s roster, the slow and steady methodology is slowly making the country one to look out for on the global stage.
This is especially true in T20 cricket. Although cricket’s expansion has been relatively recent, the country is still ranked 38th out of 91 countries in the international T20 ranking. With hopes of becoming one of the top three African countries within the next few years, local players have their work cut out for them.
Future Rise to Global Significance
There is no doubt that Nigeria has burst onto the world stage through the hard work of Nigerian players and those behind the intricacies of the NCF. Even the ICC has recognized the country’s growth, labeling it a priority member.
This backing has spotlighted the region internationally and highlighted the NCF’s highly ambitious plans for the future. While continuing to focus on youth and local development, the body also wants to expand the sport and launch a new system of play.
Two of the NCF’s plans stand out the most. The first is the move locally to 50 over games. Currently, the country predominantly plays 40 over games. However, the governing body plans to change this shortly to give players a more authentic experience of what an ODI (one-day international) would be like.
More imminent plans include the launch of a national Twenty20 tournament to spur greater competition in cricket. Titled the Nigerian Super League, the NCF hopes to launch the month-long event in a similar style as the Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament aims to have male and female competitions to ensure any local talent can participate.
Further plans are in motion to help boost awareness of the sport. These have been significantly increased by the inclusion of cricket into the 13th Africa Games. Hosted in Ghana, the competition allows Nigeria to partake in male and female competitions against seven of its biggest African national rivals.
Conclusion
Despite a slow start, cricket in Nigeria has faced massive growth-particularly in the last four years due to the extensive work of the NCF. It is also aided by awareness of the game spread by other players, sites that allow gamblers to bet on cricket online from anywhere, and the game’s inclusion into significant tournaments.
With the admiral ideology of keeping talent local and focusing on up-and-coming players, the cricket scene in Nigeria is sure to continue growing. As it does, it is likely to attract more of the international spotlight as it starts to compete with some of the best countries in the world.
