The two-day ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour of Nigeria began on Tuesday, as the Nigeria Cricket Federation, joined by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, hosted officials of the International Cricket Committee to a reception at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, The PRIMANEWS reports.
Nigeria is again among the three African countries selected for the parade, along with South Africa and Uganda, ahead of the ODI World Cup, which holds in India from October 5 to November 19.
The trophy, which arrived from Uganda on Tuesday, was given a unique cultural welcome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport before it was received by the minister.
It was thereafter taken round the Federal Capital Territory for photoshoots at various landmarks.
President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, attributed the second coming of the trophy to Nigeria’s rising profile in the game.
Akpata added that the trophy tour would afford the stakeholders a closer interaction with the top hierarchy of the ICC.
“Of course, we will also be engaging the ICC officials during the process, but we plan to give a unique Nigerian welcome to the trophy and the team of ICC officials that would be coming along,” Akpata said.
“We are looking forward to a grand reception for the World Cup trophy during its two-day tour of Nigeria. We, more importantly, would like to use the occasion to galvanise more support for the game, and also appreciate all stakeholders for the support they have lent the game over time.”
The trophy tour will arrive in Lagos on Wednesday (today) and will be received by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, followed by a reception by the Lagos cricket community at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval.
