The assistant coach of the national female cricket team, Theophilus Ibodeme, said that the upcoming Edo female cricket league would improve the quality of the national team. Ibodeme told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the league, scheduled to begin on Jan. 15, would be an avenue to scout for more talents.
The coach, who also doubles as the Regional Development Officer (RDO), South-South, for the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), added that plans were underway to ensure a successful season.
“This is the first time Edo state is organizing a female league and this is the best time to initiate this league. Cricket leagues are ongoing in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Edo states, but they are for the men only, so having this female league is a testament that the state is concerned about female grassroots development.”
“The aim of the league is to improve Nigeria female cricket and we have lots of players who make up the national team and are residing in Edo. This league will be an avenue for them to improve their game as the women don’t get enough competitions like their male counterparts.”
“I will also be acting as a scout for new talents, monitor the form of those in the national team and report to the national coach, Onome Oghenekevwe,’’ he said.
The NCF official also lauded Uyi Akpata, chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association and President of the NCF, for the giant strides of improving the female game in the state.
“Edo state is always a pioneer on issues of grassroots development and that is because of the vision of its chairman, Uyi Akpata. He believes that a lot can be achieved through the grassroots.”
“From grassroots to the national level and that’s the way many cricket test-playing nations started and Akpata is modelling Nigerian cricket in like manner,’’ Ibodeme concluded.
Four teams; Ekpoma Supernova, Adolor Amazons, Idia Royals and Emotan Queens will be participating in the league, scheduled to last for six weeks in Edo.