TheCable

Uyi Akpata, president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), says John Enoh, the sports minister, will be present during the cricket World Cup trophy tour in the country.

The trophy, on a tour of Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa — ahead of the ODI World Cup in October — is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday in Abuja where it will be displayed at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

It will then proceed to Lagos later in the day and be displayed at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval on Lagos Island.

“Despite the short time that the sports minister has had in settling in office, he accepted the cricket federation’s invite to personally grace the event as the chief host, having been briefed of expectations from the international cricket community on the growing influence of the sport in the country, which puts Nigeria squarely as a cricket developing cricket nation,” Akpata said.

The NCF president said the minister would also join with the hierarchy of international cricket that are expected at the event.

Akpata added that he is also expected to interact with other stakeholders of the sport.

According to him, the trophy would tour a few landmarks in the federal capital before arriving at the Abuja Stadium.

“Generally, we are looking forward to a grand reception for the trophy during these two days, although our main target is to use the occasion to galvanise more support for our programmes, while at the same appreciate all stakeholders for their support over the last few years,” he added.