Nigeria banks on cricketing success

Friday 20 May 2016

The cricket team of Africa’s most populous country has received a warm welcome in Jersey from Africa’s largest bank.

The West African country’s cricketers – here for an ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament against Jersey, Guernsey, Oman, Tanzania and Vanuatu – visited the La Motte Street offices of Standard Bank to meet staff. The bank, which has its international division based in Jersey, previously sponsored the team and retains a friendly association.

Headquartered in South Africa, Standard Bank has a presence in 20 African countries, including Nigeria. Deon De Klerk, of Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, said: “Nigeria is an important market for us and the bank has always had a strong affinity with cricket so we were keen to extend the hand of friendship to the team. It promises to be a fascinating tournament and we wish them every success.”

Team manager Sanmi Ajayi said: “We have trained hard for this competition and we’re the best prepared that we've ever been. Cricket is not yet a major sport in Nigeria but it is growing and more young people are coming into the game, inspired by the excitement of such events as the Twenty20 World Cup and the IPL. Certainly they have inspired this team – as well as the prospect of playing in Los Angeles if we win promotion in Jersey!”

In addition to meeting staff in Jersey, the cricket team spoke to Errol Stewart via a video-link from Durban. As well as working for Standard Bank, Mr Stewart is a former South African international cricketer and is currently a selector for the national team.

Nigeria begin their campaign on Saturday against Tanzania at the Farmers’ Cricket Ground.