The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has been named the winner of the ICC x Rexona Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year Award, a prestigious international recognition celebrating outstanding innovation and impact in grassroots cricket development.
The award was presented in recognition of the Federation’s transformative Criiio Cricket Festival held in Zamfara State, an initiative that demonstrated how cricket can serve as a powerful tool for inclusion, empowerment and social change.
Delivered under the theme “Breaking Barriers,” the festival took cricket to a region where access to sport and education for girls has historically been limited. By combining sport, culture and strong community engagement, the initiative challenged long-standing barriers, promoted greater participation, and laid the foundation for a sustainable legacy for women’s cricket across Northwest Nigeria.
The award reinforces the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s commitment to ensuring that cricket reaches every community, regardless of geography or circumstance, while creating opportunities for young people, especially girls to learn, grow and thrive through sport.
Reacting to the announcement, ICC Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, praised this year’s award recipients, saying:
“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.”
The recognition further highlights Nigeria’s growing reputation as one of cricket’s leading development nations, with the Federation continuing to pioneer programmes that use the game to drive education, gender inclusion and community development.
Speaking on the achievement, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Mr. Uyi Akpata, described the award as a victory for every stakeholder who believes in the transformative power of cricket.
“This award is a proud moment for Nigeria Cricket and for everyone who has contributed to our grassroots development journey. The Criiio Festival in Zamfara showed what is possible when communities, partners and passionate volunteers come together with a shared vision. We dedicate this recognition to every young girl whose life has been touched by cricket and reaffirm our commitment to breaking more barriers and creating even greater opportunities across Nigeria.”
The Federation extends its appreciation to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Rexona, community leaders, schools, volunteers, coaches, development officers, state associations and every participant whose dedication made the initiative a resounding success.
As Nigeria continues its ambitious cricket development agenda, this global recognition serves as further motivation to expand access to the game and inspire the next generation of cricketers across the country.
