Gateway Games: Ogun targets global cricket tournaments to sustain facility gains

The Ogun State Cricket Association has set its sights on hosting international cricket competitions in a bid to sustain the infrastructural gains recorded during the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the cricket opening match on Tuesday, May 20, at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto, the association’s chairman, Mr. Oludare Kuforiji (FCA), expressed delight with the successful setup of facilities, despite earlier challenges.

“Bringing cricket to the NSF was a long journey. We are proud to have delivered two standard pitches side by side—the first of its kind in Nigeria—and a third just a few minutes away, all within one venue,” Kuforiji said.

The match between Team Ogun and Team Kaduna, which ended with a 13-run technical win for Kaduna due to rain delay, marked the debut of the new facilities.

Kuforiji lauded the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) led by President Uyi Akpata for its support and praised the local association members for their commitment. The newly upgraded cricket section now includes three playing surfaces, a standard training net, an auditorium, and a new access road.

First Vice Chairman, Engineer Kehinde Osikoya, emphasized the association’s post-festival plans to keep the pitches in top condition, transitioning from mat to turf surfaces, and attracting both local and international fixtures.

“We’re setting up a committee for facility maintenance and pushing to host competitions. We’ll also revive two grassroots tournaments to nurture young talent,” Osikoya said.

The moves are part of efforts to cement Ogun State’s status as a cricket hub in Nigeria.

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