Gateway Games: Ogun State cricket teams poised for success

As the 22nd National Sports Festival, “Gateway Games Ogun 2024,” kicks off, Chairman of the Ogun State Cricket Association, Mr. Oludare Kuforiji (FCA), has expressed confidence in the readiness of the state’s male and female cricket teams to compete for medals.

According to a statement issued by the association’s Media Officer, Daniel Ademiju Idowu, Kuforiji revealed that the teams underwent two stages of camping and trained on three different fields to ensure adequate preparation.

The statement noted that three designated pitches have been prepared for matches during the festival. Cricket will feature three events—ODI, T-20, and 6-aside—with six gold medals up for grabs, three each in the male and female categories.

Kuforiji thanked the Ogun State Government for providing a conducive environment for training. He also appreciated the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Mr. Uyi Akpata, the Federation’s Vice Presidents, members of the Ogun State Cricket Association, and corporate sponsor FSK Nigeria Limited for their financial support during the camping and facility preparation stages.

He added that fixtures will be released ahead of the first cricket matches scheduled for Tuesday at the cricket pavilion inside the MKO Abiola Sports Complex.

“Ogun State cricket teams have been in closed camp for a month, supported by the association. They were moved to the government-arranged accommodation in Ikenne late Friday to join other state contingents as the festival begins next Tuesday,” Kuforiji said.

Cricket matches will run for nine days, from May 20 to May 29.