Cricket returns to Maiduguri after years of insurgency

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has reintroduced grassroots cricket in six schools in Maiduguri in collaboration with the Borno State Chapter.

Speaking during the relaunch of the sport over the weekend, the Secretary General of the cricket federation, Sani Mohammed, said the game had long been forgotten among the youths since the start of Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

He said the reintroduction of cricket in the six secondary schools would enhance talent hunt and female participation in the sport at the grassroots.

“Many school children have suffered traumatic experiences. We want to change the narrative and put smiles on their faces. I believe the game of cricket is the best way to do this.

• NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification for polytechnic graduates
• NIN database breach: NIMC agents to undergo vetting

“It is important for us to come here to organise this game after a long period of insurgency. Why we came here is that there are energetic girls in IDPs and secondary schools.

“We found out that in the northeast states, the girls are more energetic and that’s why we are involving them to give us good results” he said.

Mohammed also assured that NCF would send coaches to various schools to propagate the game of cricket in the state.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Borno State Chapter, Usman Dajuma, said the target is children of school age including orphans, IDPs and children of the less privileged.

The schools selected are Government Girls Secondary School, Government College, Galtimari Secondary School, Future Prowess School, and Girls Child Concern Academy all in Maiduguri.