The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has won the prestigious ICC x Rexona Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year Award, earning global recognition for its outstanding grassroots development programme in Zamfara State.
The award honours the Federation’s innovative Criiio Cricket Festival, which used cricket to promote inclusion, empower young girls and drive social change in one of Nigeria’s underserved communities.
Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers,” the festival introduced cricket to communities where girls have traditionally faced limited opportunities in sports and education.
By combining sport with community engagement, the initiative encouraged wider participation and created pathways for the growth of women’s cricket in Northwest Nigeria.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised the award recipients, describing them as examples of cricket’s power to transform lives and strengthen communities.
“These Awards were established to celebrate the extraordinary work being delivered by our Associate Members around the world, and this year’s winners are outstanding examples of how cricket can inspire participation, create opportunity, strengthen communities and deliver performances that capture global attention,” he said.
NCF President Uyi Akpata described the recognition as a proud milestone for Nigerian cricket and everyone supporting grassroots development.
He said the Zamfara festival demonstrated what can be achieved when communities, partners and volunteers work together to expand opportunities for young people, especially girls.
Akpata dedicated the award to every young girl whose life has been positively impacted by cricket and reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to expanding the game across Nigeria.
The Federation also thanked the International Cricket Council, Rexona, schools, community leaders, coaches, volunteers, development officers, state associations and participants for contributing to the success of the initiative.
The international recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation as a leading force in grassroots cricket development and is expected to boost efforts to expand the sport across more communities nationwide.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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