Following the conclusion of the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games 2024, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, has praised the state-of-the-art twin oval facility at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, declaring it a game-changer for cricket development in Nigeria.
Akpata, speaking at the end of the cricket events at the festival, described the twin oval — developed by the Ogun State Cricket Association — as a “first of its kind” facility in Nigeria and a rare achievement even across Africa.
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He announced that the NCF is set to enter into a strategic partnership with the Ogun State Government to enhance the facility to international standards and bring more cricket action to the state.
“Having the twin oval dedicated to cricket in the stadium is exciting,” Akpata said. “It shows huge opportunities. There are only a few such facilities across Africa. Ogun State now has an added advantage.”
He commended the leadership of the Ogun State Cricket Association, particularly Mr. Dare Kuforiji, for achieving the feat. Akpata emphasized that the facility has elevated Ogun State as a strong contender for upcoming national and regional cricket tournaments.
Akpata noted that one of the core imperatives of the NCF’s strategic plan is to build sustainable partnerships. He stated that the Federation cannot grow the sport alone but is ready to work with partners who provide infrastructure and capacity — such as Ogun State.
“The NCF already has a verbal memorandum of understanding with the Ogun State Cricket Association,” he added. “Once I return and finalize discussions with our board, we’ll move ahead to formalize the MOU and appoint professional curators to maintain and upgrade the pitches.”
He further revealed that Abeokuta is being considered to host the prestigious PwC U17 Cricket Finals and possibly more regional and national tournaments in the near future.
The twin oval facility was a major highlight during the Gateway Games 2024, drawing commendations from athletes and sports administrators alike. Its emergence has positioned Ogun as a new hub for cricket excellence in Nigeria.
With the NCF’s backing and government support, Abeokuta may soon become a key destination for top-tier cricket events — a development that promises to boost grassroots participation, tourism, and economic growth in the state.
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