It’s no secret that football is the biggest sport in Nigeria, but basketball also enjoys popularity, and athletics has a solid following as well. However, what about cricket?
When Nigeria bowled out Ivory Coast for just 7 runs in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional African Qualifier, it didn’t attract much attention globally. Perhaps it was simply two lesser-known teams doing what they typically do, leading many to overlook it.
Yet, Nigerian cricket has been making steady progress over the years, as evidenced by the qualification of their under-19 men’s and women’s teams for their respective ICC World Cups. The senior men’s team has also earned a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa qualifier, and they are aiming for even greater success this year when the competition takes place in Zimbabwe in September. Uganda has set an example after their surprising qualification for the last men’s T20 World Cup.
I had the opportunity to speak with Sylvester Okpe, the captain of the Nigeria Men’s cricket team, about the future of cricket in Nigeria and their hopes of making their first appearance at an ICC major event.
“There is a huge belief among the guys. We have seen how other teams play and our past encounters with them, along with the history in T20 cricket,” Okpe said. “We have a strong belief in our abilities. If we put in extra effort during games, good things will definitely come out of the tournament.”
Cricket is not widely popular in West Africa, and Okpe believes that there is a clear path to changing that. “Our expectations are to qualify. We want to be the first national team in West Africa to play in the Men’s T20 World Cup. It would be a great privilege and honor for us to achieve that.”
Did Uganda’s success mean anything to Nigeria? “Uganda’s qualification for the Men’s T20 World Cup meant a lot to us. Aside from being our African neighbors, we have a close connection with them. Seeing them qualify shows that any team is beatable, as they demonstrated in the qualifiers. It gives us confidence to play against bigger teams. Uganda has inspired us to face other countries without fear and to push ourselves harder.”
Nigeria has previously toured Zimbabwe to play against local teams, and Okpe believes that experience will be an advantage during the qualifier in September. They are also coached by Steve Tikolo, a Kenyan veteran who has played franchise cricket in Zimbabwe.
“We go on tours quite often to Zimbabwe, particularly to Kwekwe, to play pre-tournament games, and that has helped us a lot,” Okpe noted. “The first time we went there was an eye-opening experience. We learned that we needed to work harder, and since then, we have been playing really well and dominating. I think we are now accustomed to some of the conditions in Harare and Kwekwe. Our players have also competed in Bulawayo and other areas of Zimbabwe, so we have a fair understanding of the conditions. Our head coach has played many matches in Zimbabwe, giving us added knowledge.”
Okpe asserts that cricket is gaining traction among the popular sports in Nigeria. “Cricket in Nigeria is currently on the rise. There are many positive developments, especially at the youth level, both for male and female cricket. Our under-19 men’s team played in the World Cup, our under-19 women’s team also participated in the World Cup, and our senior men reached the global qualifiers. We are progressing to regional qualifiers without stress.”
“Cricket in Nigeria has grown significantly, and it continues to improve.”
He added, “I am confident that the future of cricket is in good hands, as we have a skilled coaching staff that has improved their qualifications over the years. They are dedicated to ensuring the growth of cricket in Nigeria, alongside an administration that is committed to creating a supportive environment for younger players. I find it impressive, and I am optimistic that we are headed in the right direction.”
Perhaps one day, The Green Yellows, as the Nigerian team is known, will realize their dream of competing in a World Cup.
Credit: Pictures by ICC Africa