The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has been shortlisted for the Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year Award at the prestigious 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Development Awards, following an impressive regional win. This marks a significant recognition of Nigeria’s rising influence in women’s cricket, particularly for its achievements over the past year.
The nomination was officially announced on Wednesday, as the ICC revealed the regional winners in the latest edition of its Development Awards, which honour innovative cricket programs and exceptional performances by Associate Members across the globe.
Nigeria Competes with Global Cricket Heavyweights
Nigeria will now go head-to-head with three other regional champions in the race for the global honour:
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Emirates Cricket Board (Asia)
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Persatuan Cricket Indonesia (East Asia Pacific)
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Cricket Scotland (Europe)
These nominees represent the best of cricket development efforts from their respective regions, with Nigeria emerging as Africa’s standout performer.
Celebrating Nigeria’s Major Women’s Cricket Milestones
At the heart of Nigeria’s nomination lies its significant accomplishments in women’s cricket. Two standout milestones have propelled the country into the global spotlight:
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The U-19 Women’s team qualified for the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in Malaysia — a historic achievement for Nigerian cricket.
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The Female Yellow Greens clinched a bronze medal at the 2023 African Games in Ghana, further solidifying the team’s regional competitiveness and resilience.
These breakthroughs reflect a consistent upward trajectory in the development of women’s cricket in Nigeria and underscore the federation’s strategic focus on nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
About the ICC Development Awards
Since their inception in 2002, the ICC Development Awards have served as a platform to highlight and reward outstanding contributions to the growth of cricket by Associate Members. The 2024 edition of the awards marks a milestone by expanding to seven unique categories, with the inclusion of the ICC x Rexona criiio Festival of the Year Award, aimed at promoting grassroots engagement and innovation.
The global winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of independent judges, comprising:
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VVS Laxman, legendary Indian batsman
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Samuel Badree, former West Indies spinner
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Katey Martin, former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter
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Nitin Agarwal, Head of Marketing at Unilever International
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Representatives from the media, ICC partners, and full member boards
ICC Chairman Commends Growth in Associate Nations
Commenting on the regional announcement, ICC Chairman Jay Shah applauded the rising levels of creativity and dedication demonstrated by Associate Members worldwide.
“For 22 years, the ICC Development Awards have showcased the incredible impact of our Associate Members. It’s inspiring to see how each year brings more innovation and greater inclusivity,” Shah remarked.
He further acknowledged cricket’s growing role as a catalyst for social change and development across new territories.
“Cricket serves as a powerful vehicle for transformation. The dedication displayed by our members, both on-ground and digitally, demonstrates their unwavering commitment to expanding the sport.”
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all regional winners and wish them the very best in the global selection process.”
Nigeria’s Growing Presence in Global Cricket
This nomination signifies more than just a sporting achievement — it represents the growing influence of Nigerian cricket on the world stage, especially in the realm of women’s sports. With increasing investment in training, infrastructure, and youth development, the NCF has emerged as a beacon of progress in the African cricket community.
The federation’s ability to compete with more established cricketing nations underscores its dedication to elevating Nigerian cricket, especially for women, in an environment that has traditionally offered limited support for female athletes.
The global spotlight also helps to inspire a new generation of Nigerian girls to pursue cricket professionally, while also attracting potential partnerships, sponsorships, and institutional backing.
What’s Next?
The global winners of the 2024 ICC Development Awards will be announced soon after the panel completes its review process. A victory for Nigeria would not only validate the country’s efforts on the international stage but also significantly accelerate the momentum around cricket development back home.
In the meantime, the Nigeria Cricket Federation continues to push forward with its development programmes, community engagement, and efforts to strengthen its national teams across all categories.
Whether or not the federation clinches the global award, the nomination alone positions Nigeria as a rising force in international cricket — and a nation to watch closely in the years ahead.
