The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), yesterday, revealed that it has entered the last stage of its preparations to host the 2025 T-20 World Cup African C sub-regional qualifier, which will hold in Abuja from November 23 to 28.

According to the NCF, six teams, including hosts, Nigeria, Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Eswatini, St, Helena and Sierra Leone, will feature in the week-long competition that will produce two finalists to the next stage of the World Cup Qualifier.
 
The 15 scheduled matches will hold at the twin Oval, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.  NCF President, Uyi Akpata, yesterday, said that the World Cup qualifier will test Nigeria’s facilities and stretch the federation’s personnel and event management competences.
 
“There is no doubt that we are making some advancement in talent development. We are at a point where we need to build competences across different facets of the game. Hosting the qualifiers allows us to show our visitors a different side of Nigeria through the game,” he said.
 
According to Akpata, the twin ovals in Abuja will be the centre of attention for global cricket during the seven days.  He said: “Nigeria’s cricket has been making a bit of buzz globally and attention will be on us during the event. I think it is a good thing. And I believe it is our opportunity to show the world our brand of cricket and some bits of what makes us Nigeria.”
 
The Nigerian men’s cricket team is ranked 36th in the T-20 global ranking ahead of all the teams vying for the Sub-regional honour, but the team is still leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the event.
 
Three of the national team players, Isaac Okpe, Chiemelie Udekwe, and Isaac Danladi featured in the just concluded Zimbabwean National Cricket League and have since returned to the country to beef up the team’s camp for the qualifier.
  
“While we believe that we stand a good chance of qualifying for the next stage, our focus is also on delivering beautiful memories to our visitors, cricket fans at home and abroad, watching the event,” Akpata said.