Cricket: TBS turf wicket capable of hosting international tournaments- NCF president

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, says the recent unveiling of the revamped Tafa Balewa Square (TBS) turf wicket is capable of hosting international tournaments.

Akpata said this in an interview with our correspondent on Monday in Abuja, following the unveiling of the turf wicket in Lagos on Sunday.

The TBS cricket oval, widely regarded as the nation’s traditional home of cricket has been shutdown for 18 months, due to upgrade from the previous concrete bowling strips to grass wicket.

The NCF president said that the new facility, which was of international standard, had brought the number of such to seven in the country.

“Facility upgrade scores very high on our agenda and the TBS is very critical in that sphere as it is Nigeria’s frontline facility.”

“This facility easily puts Lagos on the map with two top facilities capable of hosting world class events, including the grounds at the University of Lagos in Akoka.”

“The ground will also help prepare national teams well enough for international events,” Akpata said.

Our correspondent reports that former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, and Osato Giwa-Osagie, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, did the unveiling alongside Akpata.

Also, two commemorative games were played at the launch of the event. The first was between selected present and past national team players and other top cricketers in the country.

The second featured a number of veterans, above 50-years of age and some invited cricket stakeholders.