The Nigeria Cricket Federation, players and enthusiasts of the game are anticipating the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy, which arrives in Nigeria Tuesday (today) for a two-day tour, The PUNCH reports.
Having been part of the tour in 2019, Nigeria was selected again for the parade along with South Africa and Uganda ahead of the ODI World Cup, which will be held in India from October 5 to November 19.
The trophy will be received in Abuja on Tuesday morning by board members of the NCF and later unveiled by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, at the indoor sports hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
There will also be a photoshoot at few landmarks in the Federal Capital Territory as well as public display.
On Wednesday, the trophy will be moved to Lagos, where it will be received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The trophy tour will climax at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval at Onikan, with cultural fiesta, photoshoot, public display as well as cricket activities from young players.
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, said sports minister, Enoh, had 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 galvanise more support for the game, and also appreciate all stakeholders for the support they have lent the game over time,” Akpata said.