In a historic stride for Nigerian cricket, Ogun State has unveiled the country’s first dual-pitch cricket facility at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Kuto, Abeokuta — a landmark development timed with the kickoff of the cricket event at the 22nd National Sports Festival.
The state’s cricket association, under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Oludare Kuforiji (FCA), expressed pride in the successful commissioning of the facility after overcoming initial infrastructure challenges.
Speaking during the opening game on Tuesday, May 20, where Team Ogun faced Team Kaduna, Kuforiji highlighted the significance of the achievement and its potential impact on cricket development nationwide.
“This is a long journey come to life. We started with just one pitch, and today, we are proud to present two standard pitches side by side — the first of its kind in Nigeria — along with a third pitch within a short walking distance,” Kuforiji announced. “It’s a legacy project that positions Ogun State as a true leader in cricket infrastructure.”
Though the opening match ended in a technical victory for Kaduna by 13 runs due to rain delay, the real triumph was in the facility itself: three dedicated playing surfaces, a modern training net, a multi-use auditorium, and a newly constructed access route, all built to international standards.
The association emphasized that this facility is not just for the festival. Plans are underway to ensure its sustained use through regular hosting of local and international cricket tournaments.
“We are determined that this won’t become an abandoned venue,” said Engr. Kehinde Osikoya, the first vice chairman of the Ogun State Cricket Association. “We’re transitioning the pitches from mat to turf, and post-festival, we’ll establish a committee to manage, maintain, and maximize this investment.”
Osikoya also revealed a strategy to reactivate grassroots competitions across the state, further strengthening Ogun’s position as a hub for cricket development in Nigeria.
The association extended appreciation to the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), under the leadership of President Uyi Akpata, for their unwavering support and partnership throughout the project.
With this milestone, Ogun State has not only set a new benchmark for cricket infrastructure in Nigeria but also signaled its ambition to become a continental destination for the sport.
