18 players are on this first phase of the contract, while the second phase will bring 14 additional players by July 1.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has signed contracts with top male and female national team players on the margins.
Pulse Sports reports that the NCF Women’s T20I Invitational tournament is ongoing at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.
At the signing of the contract were the captains of the male and female teams, Sylvester Okpe and Blessing Etim.
18 players are on this first phase of the contract, while the second phase will bring 14 additional players by July 1.
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The President of the Federation, Uyi Akpata, said the action was to provide players with some motivation to maintain and possibly improve their form.
He added that the contract, which applies to both the male and female members of the national teams, will inspire them and, more significantly, serve as a launchpad for long-term team building.
He said, “This is one step we have worked on so much to be able to bring stability to the team and encourage our players to be able to keep their relevance on the national team.
“This contract is for both the male and female national team players, and we are hoping it encourages them and, more importantly, becomes the springboard for sustainable team building.”
The president added that the contract has three levels: one for team members who are pursuing a career in professional cricket, another for those who haven't entirely decided on professionally or have other interests, and a third level is for young players who are still in school.
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“The contract is hoped to help the players to have resources to leverage on for the demands that being on a national team put on them. They can on their own pay for gym sessions, be on proper diets, and at least meet basic needs required of them as national team players," he added
The contract is a milestone for players
Speaking on behalf of the players, Okpe remarked that it was a significant accomplishment for him and his team, which motivates them to work more and be more focused.
He said, “I think the players on this contract know that this demands a bit more consistency of form and requires us to do more whenever we are called upon.”
The contract will be renewed after one year term for all of the players.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Rwanda in the last group game, while Sierra Leone will face Cameroon.
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