Abuja – Uthe Ogbimi, Head Coach of the senior national male team, on Monday said Nigeria Cricket Federation’s partnership with Indian coach Shriram Renganathan has made an impact on the team’s technique.
Ogbimi told newsmen in Abuja that the support from the Indian coach has increased the confidence of the team, while their spin bowlers have improved in their technique.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Renganathan, a Level A certified coach by the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI), is on voluntary partnership with the NCF.
According to Emeka Onyeama, President of the Federation, the coach is expected to help the team qualify for the Division Four of the World Cricket League.
Meanwhile, the national team is in camp in preparation for the World League Five Championship in Jersey Island, scheduled for May 19 to May 29.
The championship serves as a qualifier for the league’s Division Four, with the top two teams in the tournament gaining promotion to Division Four.
“India is a big country as far as cricket is concerned and when a coach comes from India to give support then there must be a lot we can gain from him.
“In the past 30 days, Renganathan has been with us, there has been a great impact, especially on our spin bowling, because it is natural with the Asians.
“That has really increased the confidence in our spin bowlers and there is a lot we can gain from him,’’ Ogbimi said.
The coach also said the team was ready to make the country proud in Jersey.
NAN reports that the team is expected to leave the country on a playing tour of the UK on May 11, ahead of the championship.
Nigeria is expected to play Tanzania in her first match in the 50 overs game on May 21, followed by Oman on May 22 in her second game.
The Yellow Greens of Nigeria will battle Guernsey on May 24 and Vanuatu on May 25, while its last group match will be against hosts Jersey on May 27.(NAN)