The Nigeria Cricket Federation is in the running for two honours at the 2025 ICC Development Awards, which will be announced in July, after emerging as a regional winner in Africa, The PUNCH reports. On Friday, the ICC announced the 30 regional winners for the 2025 ICC Development Awards, with Nigeria leading Africa in two of the seven categories. Nigeria’s first regional win came in the ICC Associate Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year category, which recognises the outstanding on-field performance of a women’s team from an Associate Member nation in an ICC event or bilateral series. Last year, Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens made a statement at the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia, with an impressive sixth-place finish, helping Nigeria emerge as Africa’s regional winner in the category. They will now compete against Brazil, the UAE, Japan and Scotland for the global prize. The second nomination for the NCF is in the ICC Criiio Cricket Festivals with Rexona category, which recognises an outstanding festival delivered by an ICC Associate Member. As part of the ICC Criiio Cricket Festival programme, Nigeria delivered cricket introduction festivals across different cities in 2025 and will now contend with Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Indonesia and Brazil for the global prize. Related News Olopade charges federations ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games Joshua hints at MMA crossover NSC names Fatodu Nigeria Aquatics Federation president Established in 2002, the ICC Development Awards recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by ICC Members in emerging nations to grow the game globally. According to a statement obtained by our correspondent from the ICC, the global winners will be determined by an independent panel of voters comprising two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner Samuel Badree, former Ireland international Kevin O’Brien and former Zimbabwe international Mary-Anne Musonda. The remainder of the 12-member panel includes representatives from ICC partners, ICC Full Members and the media, with the global winners set to be revealed on ICC channels in July. ICC chairman Jay Shah said, “The ICC Development Awards continue to highlight the outstanding work being delivered by our members to grow cricket in emerging nations and create more opportunities for people to engage with the game around the world. “Across every region, we are seeing innovation, inclusivity and ambition drive the sport forward through grassroots participation programmes, women’s cricket initiatives, digital fan engagement and strong on-field performances. The diversity of this year’s winners reflects the global momentum behind the game and the dedication of members. “I would like to congratulate all of the regional winners and shortlisted members on their achievements and wish them the very best ahead of the global awards.”
