The Nigeria Cricket Federation has won the ICC/Rexona Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year Award. This award recognizes innovation and impact in grassroots cricket development, as reported by The PUNCH.
The NCF got the award for its Criiio Cricket Festival held in Zamfara State. This event showed how cricket can promote inclusion, empowerment, and social change.
Other nominees included the Bahrain Cricket Federation, Qatar Cricket Association, Emirates Cricket Board, Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, and the Confederação Brasileira de Cricket.
Breaking Barriers
The festival took place under the theme "Breaking Barriers." It introduced cricket to a region where girls often have limited access to sports and education. By mixing sport, culture, and community, the event challenged old barriers and encouraged more participation. It also helped lay the groundwork for the growth of women’s cricket in Northwest Nigeria.
Uyi Akpata, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, called the award a win for everyone who supports the sport's development.
"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."
Akpata added, "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."
Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council, praised this year’s award winners.
"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."
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