The Nigeria Cricket Federation has won the International Cricket Council (ICC) x Rexona Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year Award for its outstanding grassroots cricket development programme in Zamfara State.
The prestigious global award recognises innovative initiatives that use cricket to promote participation and create positive social impact in communities.
The federation received the honour for its Criiio Cricket Festival in Zamfara, an initiative organised under the theme, “Breaking Barriers.* The programme was designed to promote inclusion, empower young people and expand access to cricket, particularly for girls in a region where opportunities for sports and education have traditionally been limited.
By combining cricket, culture and community engagement, the festival challenged long-standing barriers, encouraged greater participation and created a platform for the growth of women’s cricket in Northwest Nigeria.
The award also reflects the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s commitment to taking the game to every part of the country while creating opportunities for children and young people to learn and develop through sport.
Reacting to the announcement, ICC Chairman Jay Shah commended this year’s award winners for using cricket to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
“These Awards were established to celebrate the extraordinary work being delivered by our Associate Members around the world, and 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.
The recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation as one of the leading cricket development nations, with the federation continuing to implement programmes that promote education, gender inclusion and community development through the game.
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, described the award as a major milestone for Nigerian cricket and everyone who has contributed to the sport’s development at the grassroots.
“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 thanked the ICC, Rexona, community leaders, schools, volunteers, coaches, development officers, state cricket associations and all participants whose contributions made the initiative a success.
It added that the international recognition would serve as further motivation to expand access to cricket and inspire the next generation of players across Nigeria.
Source: Sports Archives – New Telegraph
