Ogun Cricket Association unveils squad for National Sports Festival
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Kuforiji highlighted the substantial renovations to the pavilion and cricket pitch, stating, "Our association invested around N30 million in these renovations, raised independently. We built the access road, replaced the roofing, and secured the pavilion with private security to prevent vandalism."
By Adejoke Adeleye
In preparation for the upcoming National Sports Festival in January 2025, the Ogun State Cricket Association (OGSCA) has unveiled its preliminary squad and newly renovated cricket pavilion, demonstrating its readiness for the event.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, where the association showcased the refurbished facility and introduced both male and female teams set to represent the state. The event also included the symbolic presentation of kits to players.
Female Squad Members:
- Bakare Kehinde
- Bakare Taiwo
- Ogundele Ololade
- Oduntan Sukurat
- Oridota Omoyeni
- Osaghale Elizabeth
- Onoh Cynthia
- Olaleye Fatimat
- Oyeku Abayomi
- Sunday Olubi
- Jeremiah Joy
- Oladejo Victoria
- Ologuntoye Morenikeji
- Adedeji Mary
- Shittu Aisha
- Habibat Oremeji
- Olukayode Ayomiposi
- Gbananja Finda
- Olisa Mariam
- Anthony Victoria
- Awaji Rebecca
- Abdullahi Naffysat
Female Team Officials: Akiyade Segun Gbenga, Balogun Adepoju, Anofiu Salako.
Male Squad Members:
- Adebiyi Usman
- Olayemi Gbenga
- Obisesam Afeez
- Adu Bimbo
- Chuku James
- Ogunbayo Dayo
- Adebayo Wasiu
- Olayinka Segun
- Oridota Omotayo
- Olayinka Tope
- Odesanya Abiodun
- Ajeku Daniel
- Segun Ogundipe
- Femi Oduyebo
- Abolarin Rasheed
- Tunde Ayinde
- Mubarak Beki
- Gbenga Balale
- Udekwe Chimelie
- Okeke Izuchu
- Adedeji Sessan
Male Team Officials: Raheem Fata, Adegbola Yemi, Ogunlola Joshua, Ajeku Daniel.
Both teams will be trimmed from 22 to 16 players following trials to select the strongest candidates for T20, six-a-side, and ODI (50 overs) competitions.
After the unveiling, Ogun Cricket Association Chairman Oludare Kuforiji discussed the significance of the day, emphasising the association’s commitment to preparing the teams well ahead of the festival and marking the beginning of training for both male and female players.
Kuforiji highlighted the substantial renovations to the pavilion and cricket pitch, stating, “Our association invested around N30 million in these renovations, raised independently. We built the access road, replaced the roofing, and secured the pavilion with private security to prevent vandalism.”
He expressed optimism about Ogun’s prospects at the 2024 National Sports Festival, targeting a minimum of six medals, including at least three golds.
The association, which has already commenced independent training activities, hopes for additional support from the state government.
“We’re prepared to fund our camp in the coming weeks, but we hope the official state camp will start soon to alleviate some financial burdens,” Kuforiji added.
Kuforiji assured that the new pavilion would remain active year-round, even during the off-season. Plans are underway to introduce amenities to sustain regular activity, including a proposed bar area to attract more visitors.
The 2024 National Sports Festival, its 22nd edition, is scheduled for 12 to 25 January 2025 in Ogun State.
Cricket was included as one of the seven optional events for the games when the federal ministry of sports released the list on 14 October 2024. The Ogun State team will return to all six disciplines after missing the last edition in Delta due to qualification issues.
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