The Ogun State Cricket Association (OGSCA) has announced its preliminary squad and showcased its newly renovated cricket pavilion in preparation for the upcoming 2024 National Sports Festival.
At a ceremony held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, the association highlighted the improvements to the facility while introducing both the male and female cricket teams that will represent the state. Kits were symbolically presented to the players as part of the event.
Female Squad:
- Bakare Kehinde
- Bakare Taiwo
- Ogundele Ololade
- Oduntan Sukurat
- Oridota Omoyeni
- Osaghale Elizabeth
- Onoh Cynthia
- Olaleye Fatimat
- Oyeku Abayomi
- Sunday Olubi
- Jeremiah Joy
- Oladejo Victoria
- Ologuntoye Morenikeji
- Adedeji Mary
- Shittu Aisha
- Habibat Oremeji
- Olukayode Ayomiposi
- Gbananja Finda
- Olisa Mariam
- Anthony Victoria
- Awaji Rebecca
- Abdullahi Naffysat
Female Team Officials: Akiyade Segun Gbenga, Balogun Adepoju, Anofiu Salako.
Male Squad:
- Adebiyi Usman
- Olayemi Gbenga
- Obisesam Afeez
- Adu Bimbo
- Chuku James
- Ogunbayo Dayo
- Adebayo Wasiu
- Olayinka Segun
- Oridota Omotayo
- Olayinka Tope
- Odesanya Abiodun
- Ajeku Daniel
- Segun Ogundipe
- Femi Oduyebo
- Abolarin Rasheed
- Tunde Ayinde
- Mubarak Beki
- Gbenga Balale
- Udekwe Chimelie
- Okeke Izuchu
- Adedeji Sessan
Male Team Officials: Raheem Fata, Adegbola Yemi, Ogunlola Joshua, Ajeku Daniel.
The squads will be trimmed from 22 to 16 players following trials, with the strongest candidates chosen to compete in T20, six-a-side, and ODI (50 overs) formats at the games.
During the unveiling, OGSCA Chairman Oludare Kuforiji spoke with journalists about the significance of the day, emphasizing the association's proactive approach to preparing the teams ahead of the festival. He highlighted the substantial renovations made to the pavilion and cricket pitch, which cost around N30 million, raised independently by the association. This included improvements such as a new access road, roof replacement, and enhanced security measures.
Future Plans and Expectations
Kuforiji expressed confidence in Ogun's performance at the 2024 National Sports Festival, aiming for six medals, including at least three golds. He reflected on the growth of cricket in the state since Ogun last hosted the event in 2006, where the team won a gold and silver medal.
The association has initiated its own training camps and hopes for support from the state government to ease financial pressures. “We are prepared to self-fund our camp for the coming weeks, but we look forward to the official state camp starting soon,” Kuforiji said.
Long-term Sustainability
Regarding the long-term use of the new pavilion, Kuforiji assured that the association would keep the facility active year-round, even during the off-season. Plans are in place to introduce amenities, such as a bar area, to attract more visitors and encourage ongoing use of the space.
“Learning from past experiences, we aim to maintain a regular presence here, ensuring the pavilion's upkeep and fostering cricket's growth in Ogun,” he added.
The 2024 National Sports Festival, now in its 22nd edition, is set to take place from January 12 to January 25, 2025, in Ogun State. Cricket is one of the seven optional events included in the games, following the Ogun State team's absence from the previous edition due to qualification issues.