Shaheed O Akolade is a right arm medium pace bowler from Nigeria. He is just 18 years of age and made his professional debut against Uganda in a T20 game on 10th July 2010. Sportskeeda’s columnist Jashanpreet caught up with the Nigerian pace man fondly known as Prince Saheed in his country, in an Exclusive interview.
For the interest of our readers, I would like to ask you what is the status of cricket in your country?
The Status of Cricket in Nigeria is not bad because Nigeria is an Associate member of ICC and Cricket is the first sport played in Nigeria and Nigeria Cricket Federation is trying to develop the game all over Nigeria but it’s not easy for them because the game is not popular in the Country, People focus on football a lot more than Cricket.
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| Akolade bowling. The picture is testimony to the pace he can deliver |
What do you think is required for taking cricket to the next level in your country?
We need the Nigerian Government to support the Nigeria Cricket Federation and we need sponsors to help NCF with development programs and help from them to create local tournaments and leagues.We lack cricket educational program for coaches, Umpires and all the other officials. We lack good cricket pitches too.
What are the challenges in playing for an Associate Nation?
The matches we play at the ICC World Cricket League are good but we don’t get enough rest in between the games because sometimes we land in a country and we have to play 2 games straight away. I am happy playing in the tournaments but these are some of the challenges we face sometimes.
What should ICC do to make the game global in true sense?
The ICC are doing a very great job in developing the game globally but if they can do 50% more of what they are currently doing, I believe there will be more progress in Associate Cricket.
How does it feel like to be a star in your country at such a young age?
I feel very happy and proud but I am still working very hard because I know one day I will lead my country to glory. I have a lot of Cricket currently coming my way, playing the 2011/2012 cricket season in the ICC Cricket League in Lagos, Nigeria and 2012 cricket season to play in England. I want to be a professional Cricketer one day.
What are the steps that need to be taken to make cricket financially self sufficient in Nigeria?
Nigerian Government needs assisting with funds yearly just like any other Cricket board, getting cooperate sponsors. Nigeria Cricket Federation need to find something that will generate funds for them to be financially self sufficient.
Do you feel you can match the pace of the bowling legends from West Indies or someone like Shoaib Akhtar?
Can Cricket pick up as a game in Nigeria?
Yes, our development program is in place and its well established. People Love Cricket here in Nigeria.
Watch out for Saheed Akolade in a few years time, I have trails next year for a county club in England and I am getting ready for it. I am currently 18 years now.
Why do you want to play in England?
Thanks Saheed for taking out time to this interview. We are sure that you will be the next pace sensation to rock the Cricket World. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours from our side.
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