17 Nigerian Coaches Earn Prestigious ICC Level 2 Certification

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The steady rise of Nigerian cricket coaching received another major boost as seventeen (17) Nigerian coaches have successfully attained the ICC Level 2 Coaching Certification, following rigorous courses held in Abuja, Nigeria, and Windhoek, Namibia.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Level 2 Course—one of the most prestigious and technically demanding coaching certifications in world cricket—focuses on advanced game understanding, player management, and performance analysis. Its successful completion marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s human capacity development in the sport.

The Abuja leg of the course, held from June 12 to 15, 2025, produced thirteen certified coaches: Ademola Adeniyi Onikoyi, Afani Abdulhamid Ali, Agatha Obulor, Salako Azeez Adekunle, Justin Prosper Okere, Oluseye Olympio Ali, Leonard Onome Oghenekevwe, Okechukwu Onwudiwe Jamal, Richard Ikiponmwen Osamudiamen, Offong Edidiong, Okafor Somtochukwu Odinaka, Matthew Aghahowa Efosa, and Awobola Yusuf Bolaji.

The Namibian cohort, which concluded between September 7 and 10, 2025, also recorded a 100% success rate. Those certified included Etim Blessing, Sarah Bhakita, Oyede Adeleke Mutiu, and Ibodeme Adolphus Theophilus.

In his congratulatory message, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, lauded the new ICC Level 2 coaches for their dedication and commitment to professional growth. He emphasized that the achievement reflects the Federation’s continuous investment in human capital and coaching excellence.

“We are proud of these coaches who have once again placed Nigeria on the global cricket map,” Akpata said. “This milestone is not only a personal achievement for them but also a strategic victory for the country. It strengthens our coaching base and enhances our capacity to deliver structured cricket development across all levels.”

Akpata further urged the newly certified coaches to serve as mentors to emerging grassroots trainers, aligning with the NCF’s strategic vision to introduce the game to over 250,000 new participants nationwide.

“Our goal remains clear — to build a self-sustaining ecosystem for cricket development in Nigeria,” he added.