Six young cricketers from Ikorodu have been selected to represent Lagos State at the upcoming National Youth Games.
It will be recalled that Lagos State Cricket Coach, Ingram Jones, recently started a self-funded project to teach and train students in secondary schools across Ikorodu the game of cricket.
That initiative has now birthed six players who have been drafted into the Lagos team to represent the state in the National Youth Games slated for next month.
The players are Gloria Iribhogbe, Zainab Balogun, Eniola Adebayo, and Precious Ramon for the girls’ team, while Simeon Aroyal and Nnamani Pascal Ndubuisi will play for the boys’ team.
Aroyal, in his reaction to being called up, said he is excited over the prospect of playing for Lagos, recalling how interesting the journey has been thus far.
He said, “It has been an interesting journey ever since I started chess.” Our coach has taught us a lot: how to hold the bat, how to bow, and how to make some impressive shots. And with the help of God, I finally made it to the Lagos team. So I am very happy and I am so glad.”
Iribhogbe, whose elder sister, Favour, plays for Edo State and the national team, described the call up as a dream come true.
“The journey down here has been challenging, fun and this is a dream come true for me, being part of the u-15 team.”
In her remarks, Balogun revealed her excitement to play for Lagos while appreciating her parents for their support in her quest to play cricket.
“I want to thank my parents. If not for their support, I might not have had this opportunity. I also want to thank my sisters for also supporting me in this game. I also thank God for the opportunity to play for Lagos State and represent my school. I also thank my coach for instilling in me a desire to play the game so that I can improve and play for Lagos State. I was happy when they told us we were going to represent Lagos State,”/Balogun said.
When quizzed on what he was expecting, Jones said he expected the children to keep doing what they have been doing, which is enjoying the sport.
“My expectations are quite simple. that they take the opportunity that they have. And for those from Ikorodu, I will say they can be better than their counterparts. So a real success story is those young people going out there to do themselves and their names proud, as they will be the ones to be part of the Ikorodu set that will be taking part in this tournament. So, going out there to bat and bowl is a success in itself. So I expect them to do what they have been taught and to carry on enjoying the sport,” he said.
