The International Cricket Council (ICC) has commended the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) for improvements to its facilities in Abuja ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C, while stressing that further investment remains necessary to sustain the sport’s development.
Justin Ligyalingi, the ICC Regional Manager for Africa, made the assessment on Monday after inspecting the facilities prepared for the tournament, which began on Tuesday, October 20.
Ligyalingi said the federation had made significant progress since an earlier inspection by an ICC representative four months ago, expressing confidence that the venues were ready to host the competition.
However, his assessment also highlighted the need for continued investment, suggesting that hosting an international tournament should form part of a wider effort to strengthen cricket infrastructure in Nigeria.
The Abuja qualifier brings together Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and The Gambia in a round-robin competition. The six teams are competing for the final two places in the 2027 Africa Regional Final, which forms part of the qualification pathway to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The tournament provides Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its facilities while competing against other emerging cricket nations. Yet the long-term value of hosting the event will depend on whether improvements can support regular domestic competition, player development and future international fixtures.
Ligyalingi also pointed to broader progress in African cricket, identifying Nigeria alongside Namibia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda as countries that have performed strongly in the sport’s development.
His comments place Nigeria’s preparations within a wider continental picture in which investment in high-performance cricket and development programmes is helping raise competitive standards.
For the NCF, the immediate task is to deliver a successful tournament. The larger challenge is to ensure that the work completed for the qualifier becomes a foundation for sustained growth rather than a temporary response to hosting requirements.
With Nigeria seeking a place in the next stage of World Cup qualification, the competition carries significance both on and off the field.
A successful campaign could advance the Yellow Greens’ international ambitions, while a well-run tournament could strengthen the case for continued support for cricket infrastructure and grassroots development.
The ICC’s assessment offers encouragement for Nigerian cricket, but its call for further improvement also underlines that facility development remains an ongoing responsibility.
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