The Head Coach and High Performance Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Steven Mangongo, has described Edo State as the undisputed hub of cricket development in Nigeria, praising the state’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development and the visionary leadership driving its remarkable achievements.
Mangongo made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, at the Commission’s headquarters in Benin City. The visit forms part of his five-day working tour of Edo State, which includes engagements with coaches, players, administrators and other stakeholders aimed at strengthening cricket development across the state.
The Zimbabwean-born cricket expert, who has played a significant role in developing cricket across Africa, said he was deeply impressed by the quality of talent, the organised developmental structure and the seamless pathway that allows young cricketers in Edo to progress from the grassroots to the national stage.
According to him, Edo State has consistently distinguished itself as the leading producer of cricket talents in Nigeria and has become a benchmark for sustainable sports development.
“It is a privilege to be here in Edo State. This state is very special whenever cricket in Nigeria is discussed. I keep repeating this everywhere because it comes from my heart. At every level where I have interacted with players and officials, Edo State continues to stand out as a producer of exceptional cricket talent,” Mangongo said.
He noted that the state’s investment in grassroots development has created a thriving cricket ecosystem capable of producing elite athletes year after year, adding that Nigeria’s long-term cricket ambitions would be greatly enhanced if other states adopted Edo’s developmental model.
“Edo remains the powerhouse of cricket in Nigeria. If Nigeria must get it right, then Edo’s template must be replicated across the country.
“I had goosebumps when I visited the training ground and saw Under-8 players, Under-18 cricketers, the Under-19 women’s team and national team players all training within the same environment. That is evidence of a functional sports development system. It tells me that cricket is in safe hands because there is a deliberate and sustainable plan for talent development.
“Success does not happen by chance. It is built on visionary leadership, commitment and consistency. Those are qualities I have seen here, and I want to be part of this journey because I can clearly see a future filled with greater success.”
Mangongo further applauded the Edo State Sports Commission for creating an enabling environment where young talents can flourish, stressing that the Commission’s long-term investment in youth development would continue to yield positive results for both the state and the nation.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Cricket Federation official for choosing Edo State as a key destination during his tour, describing the visit as a strong endorsement of the state’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s leading centre for cricket excellence.
Enabulele said the Edo State Cricket Association remains one of the Commission’s most dependable partners in grassroots sports development, noting that its dedication to discovering, nurturing and mentoring young players perfectly aligns with the sports development agenda of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“When it comes to developmental programmes, the Edo State Cricket Association is the envy of this Commission. I have dependable hands managing cricket in the state. They don’t just work; they keep me informed about every stage of the development process.
“When we assumed office, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, gave us a clear mandate to prioritise grassroots talent identification and development. While many people focus only on winning competitions, we believe sustainable success comes from building strong foundations.
“Some states recruit athletes from different parts of the country simply to win medals. In Edo State, we are proud to say that our cricketers are homegrown talents who have been nurtured through our development programmes.
“At the last National Sports Festival, cricket delivered five gold medals for Edo State out of six available categories. Those achievements were not accidental; they were the direct result of years of deliberate investment in grassroots sports development.”
The Sports Commission Chairman also commended the leadership of the Edo State Cricket Association under its Chairman, Dr. Uyi Akpata, who also serves as President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, for his unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for young boys and girls to excel in cricket.
He noted that the collaborative relationship between the Commission and the Cricket Association has significantly contributed to Edo’s dominance in the sport and assured that the partnership would continue to grow for the benefit of future generations.
“We sincerely appreciate your visit and the confidence you have expressed in Edo State. We remain committed to supporting every initiative that promotes cricket development and will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Cricket Federation and other stakeholders to strengthen the game at every level.”
Present at the meeting were members of the Edo State Sports Commission Board, including Coach Baldwin Bazuaye (Edo South) and Barr. Anthony Ikuenobe (Edo Central); Female National Coach and Edo State High Performance Manager, Theophilus Ibodeme; Nigeria Under-19 Girls Head Coach, Sarah Bhakita; Media and School Liaison Officer, Agharese Coritas; Senior Special Assistant to the NCF President, Osasu Agbonwanegbe; Personal Assistant to the President, Kelvin Agbonwanegbe; Facility Manager, Diya Agbonwanegbe; Under-15 Girls Coach, Osamudiamhen Ikpomwen; Efosa Aghahowa; and Secretary of the Edo State Cricket Association, Margaret Oki.
Mangongo’s official visit is expected to continue over the coming days with technical training sessions, facility inspections, strategic engagements with coaches and administrators, as well as interactions with young players. The visit is aimed at consolidating the gains already made in Edo State while exploring new opportunities to further strengthen cricket development and position Nigeria for greater success on the continental and global stage.
