The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), said it is ready to host five other nations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Men’s World Cup African Qualifier.

The tournament is billed for Lagos, with the matches to be held at the cricket ovals at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from March 26th – 6th April.

VON reported that the President of the federation, Uyi Akpata, said in a statement that the tournament is about celebrating the growth of the game on the continent. Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos,” Akpata said. 

“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential and we are committed to making this qualifier a memorable experience for all.”

“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players.”

Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping to secure the ticket, having achieved same feat in 2019 and competing at the World Cup in South Africa 2020.

The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, (ESGC), says it has lifted restrictions imposed on license on gaming renewal by operators.

The Executive Secretary of ESGC, Prince Arinze Arum, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer Nwanneka Udeh, on Thursday in Enugu.

Arum said the decision was part of key reforms aimed at strengthening the gaming industry and promoting responsible gaming practices and necessary steps in modernizing the gaming industry in the state.

He added that the Commission had also launched a new and technology-driven platform that ensured faster and more convenient renewal and other services.

“With the lifting of restrictions on license renewals, gaming operators can now seamlessly update their licenses through the newly introduced Enugu State Gaming Regulatory Platform (ESGRP).

“This digital solution ensures faster approvals, enhanced compliance monitoring, and a secure licensing process.

“As part of ESGC’s broader regulatory reforms, the Commission is implementing a series of initiatives, including the creation of gaming offices across all the 17 Local Government Areas,” Arum said.

▪︎The Guardian

The Rwanda Football Association has officially begun selling tickets for the highly anticipated World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

Rwanda’s national team, the Amavubi, will face the Super Eagles in a crucial encounter at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali next week Friday.

Ticket sales began on Wednesday, with prices ranging from 1,000 Rwandan Francs to 1,000,000 Rwandan Francs.

Currently leading their group, Rwanda will be aiming to strengthen their qualification hopes with a victory over the three-time African champions.

Meanwhile, Rwandan top newspapers, The New Times, said it was anticipating a top drawer fixture against the Super Eagles as the Amavubi eye another major scalp in their desire to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.