T20, ODI, 6-a-side events will feature in Edo 2020 cricket competition, official says
Cricket
By Ijeoma Okigbo
Abuja, March 13, 2020 (NAN) The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) will introduce T20, One Day International (ODI) and six-a-side tournaments at the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Benin from March 22 to April 1.
Taiwo Oriss, Secretary-General of NCF, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that this was necessary to increase interest in the sport in various states.
“The introduction of the ODI and the six-a-side event is to increase the number of medals for the states, as well as interest in the sport in the states,’’ Oriss said.
The federation secretary-general also assured players of great playing experience at the festival with the unveiling of the new cricket oval.
“The pitch is the second natural turf we have in Nigeria, after the one at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
“The pitch is going to expose the players to the right playing surface, because it is of international standard.
“Special thanks must go to Uyi Akpata, the Vice-President of the federation, who facilitated the turf wicket at Edo Boys High School, Ugbowo in Benin City.
“We are now trying to secure hostel facilities around there so that whenever we have international event, we will have a place for players to camp while training.
“It (the pitch) gives us more option for development and for us to get used to what is obtainable in other countries.(NAN)
IHA/DE/OLAL
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(Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Olawale Alabi)