Nigeria's Grassroots Cricket Initiative Earns Global ICC Recognition

Posted : 12 July 2026

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has received global recognition after winning the ICC x Rexona Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year Award for its innovative grassroots cricket development initiative in Zamfara State.

The award recognises outstanding innovation and impact in expanding cricket participation, with the federation's "Breaking Barriers" Criiio Cricket Festival emerging as a model for using sport to promote inclusion, education, and community development.

According to the NCF's Media Manager, Zeal Ibe, the Zamfara festival demonstrated how cricket can serve as a platform for empowering young people, particularly girls, in communities where access to sports and education has traditionally been limited.

He said the initiative combined sport, culture, and strong community engagement to challenge long-standing social barriers, encourage greater participation, and establish a sustainable pathway for the growth of women's cricket in Northwest Nigeria.

Ibe noted that the international recognition reaffirms the federation's commitment to taking cricket to every part of the country, regardless of location or circumstance.

He added that the NCF remains focused on creating opportunities for young people, especially girls, to acquire valuable life skills and realise their full potential through the game.

"This recognition further strengthens Nigeria's growing reputation as one of the leading nations in cricket development, with programmes that continue to promote education, gender inclusion, and community empowerment," he said.

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah commended this year's award recipients, describing them as outstanding examples of cricket's ability to create lasting social impact.

"These Awards were established to celebrate the extraordinary work being delivered by our Associate Members around the world.

"This year's winners are outstanding examples of how cricket can inspire participation, create opportunity, strengthen communities, and deliver performances that capture global attention," Shah said.

Reacting to the honour, NCF President Uyi Akpata described the award as a significant milestone for Nigerian cricket and a tribute to the collective efforts of partners, volunteers, and local communities.

"This award is a proud moment for Nigeria Cricket and for everyone who has contributed to our grassroots development journey.

"The Criiio Festival in Zamfara showed what is possible when communities, partners, and passionate volunteers come together with a shared vision.

"We dedicate this recognition to every young girl whose life has been touched by cricket and reaffirm our commitment to breaking more barriers and creating even greater opportunities across Nigeria," Akpata said.

The federation also expressed appreciation to the ICC, Rexona, community leaders, schools, volunteers, coaches, development officers, state associations, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the initiative.

It added that the international recognition would further inspire efforts to expand cricket's reach, strengthen grassroots development, and nurture the next generation of players across Nigeria.

Nigeria's Grassroots Cricket Initiative Earns Global ICC Recognition

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