As part of its efforts to build the country’s cricket into an international brand, the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has named Stephen Maziva Mangongo, a Zimbabwean, as the national team’s new head coach and high-performance manager.

According to the NCF, Mangongo’s appointment will officially commence on July 1, 2026, under a three-year contract aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cricket development structure and enhancing the country’s competitive performance on the international stage.

An accomplished and highly respected cricket professional, Magongo is an ICC Level 3 certified coach with extensive coaching and player development experience across different levels of the game.

Over the years, he has successfully coached Zimbabwe’s U-15, U-19, Zimbabwe A Team, and the Zimbabwe National Men’s Team, contributing significantly to talent development and high-performance cricket systems.

Speaking on the development, NCF President, Uyi Akpata, described the appointment as a strategic step towards consolidating the federation’s vision of building a sustainable cricket structure capable of producing world-class players and competitive national teams.

He emphasised that Nigerian cricket must continue to go the way of professionalism and excellence if it is to compete with the best teams across the world.

As Head Coach and High-Performance Manager, Mangongo brings over three decades of wealth of experience, technical expertise and a proven track record in talent development and elite cricket management.

In the course of his contract, he will oversee the technical development of national teams, coach education programmes, player pathways, and the implementation of high-performance structures designed to improve Nigeria’s standing in global cricket.

Mangongo will have the opportunity to watch and meet with the best players in Nigeria during the ongoing Nigeria Super League in Lagos.

He will also be officially unveiled and presented before stakeholders today at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval.