Cricket: Nigeria beat London club

The Nigerian national cricket team on Monday bowled off the final phase of their preparations for this month’s ICC World Cricket League Division VI by beating Wiltshire Quaries of London by 2 wickets.

The Nigerian team, made up of 14 players and led by Technical Director, Olisa Egwuatu, departed Nigeria on Saturday for the United Kingdom, where they are scheduled to play four friendly matches during the trip sponsored by a former President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Dr. John Abebe.

The World Cricket League Division VI holds between July 19 and 29 in Jersey, an island off the coast of the UK.

Wiltshare Quaries reportedly took to the crease first, scoring 174 all out, while in the reply, the Nigerian team met their target and eventually won by 2 wickets.

Speaking in an interview, President of the NCF, Emeka Onyeama, described Nigeria’s victory against Wiltshare Quaries as heartwarming, while expressing NCF’s gratitude to Dr. Abebe for sponsoring the trip.

“It was a very wonderful experience,” said Onyeama. “Winning the first friendly match has given the players a big psychological boost. I’m optimistic that they will win their remaining friendly games and will go to Jersey like hungry lions.

“I want to thank Dr. Abebe for making the London trip possible. What he is doing is in the spirit of the new board. ”

According to Onyeama, the cricket federation is still in search of funds to ensure there are no financial hiccups when the national team arrive Jersey for the world league event.

“We want to urge well-meaning Nigerians to support the team because we are still looking for funds. The government promised to support us but they are yet to deliver,” he said.