Members of the 15-player senior women’s cricket team who won bronze at the 2023 African Games in Ghana are uncertain about whether they will be rewarded by the Federal Government. The PUNCH reports.
The Ministry of Sports Development excluded the team before the Games, but the Nigeria Cricket Federation ensured their participation.
Despite being the lowest-ranked team, the Female Yellow Greens surprised Namibia with a 47-run win and claimed the bronze medal with a three-wicket victory over Uganda.
It was the first time cricket was included in the African Games, and the female team, like their male counterparts, had a high enough ranking to participate.
The female team was reportedly dropped by the ministry after beginning their camp, but they do not know if they will benefit from the financial rewards that will follow their success at the Games.
As per reports, gold medallists are entitled to $3,000 (N4.2m), silver to $2,000 (N2.8m), and bronze (which the cricket team won) to $1,000 (N1.4m) based on Thursday’s exchange rate.
“We started camp under the ministry, and after about a week, we were informed that the female team had been dropped from the African Games. At that point, we were still playing our invitational tournament in Lagos,” said an upset player to The PUNCH.
After the NCF took care of the team’s travel, accommodation, and other logistics in Ghana, the players met with the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh.
Sports minister John Enoh mentioned that he had tackled the issue during the meeting in Ghana but did not confirm if the female cricketers would be paid.
“I already addressed that in Accra, so I don’t expect that to be a problem. I met with them (athletes) in the Games Village and I addressed that (the issue).
However, one player stated that this was not the first time they had been treated in this manner by the ministry.
“We are used to the ministry’s pattern. Even when preparing for the National Sports Festival or the National Youth Games, they will inform you on the day of travel that one of the cricket teams will not be participating. Imagine how heartbreaking that can be for young athletes,” she added.
But NCF Public Relations Officer, Musa Ehizoje, is positive that the sports ministry will reward the female cricketers for making the country proud.
“The ministry has been very supportive of the NCF and our activities and has also contributed to the growth and development of the sport, so we are hopeful this can happen for our girls as well,” Ehizoje told The PUNCH.
