The Nigeria Cricket Federation led by the General Manager, Mr. Emeka Igwilo have presented the national Jersey of the National Cricket team to the former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Professor Peter N.C. Umeadi, for his outstanding contributions to the development of Cricket sport in Anambra State.
Presenting the Jersey to Prof Umeadi on behalf of President of the federation, Mr Igwilo described the former Chief Judge as the greatest benefacto of cricket game in the area.
He said, "Apart from sponsoring Cricket equipment to the schools, Professor Umeadi sponsored Late Coach Obiora Odinye to attend the Coaching course organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) at Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He also sponsored the Coach and a player each from the Cricket playing schools for the Scorers and Umpires course in Lagos, Nigeria. In April 2004, He sponsored Bishop Crowther Seminary, Awka to take part in the 8th Howzat Super League in Lagos."
Mr. Igwilo recalled that in the old Anambra State up until the late 90s, Cricket was not a known sports in the schools, but, "with the emergence of people like Professor Peter N.C Umeadi after the creation of the new Anambra State the story of Cricket changed for good, hence why we called him the man of vision".
"He began by sponsoring Christ the King College, Onitsha and Nri Boys Secondary School, Nri, where the game started from the scratch. He later took the co-sponsorship of the Bishop Crowther Seminary School, Awka, an existing Cricket team, and a Cricket tournament between the three schools commenced."
The Sports Administrator added that "In 2005, Professor . Umeadi presented the Hon Justice Peter N.C. Umeadi Champion of Champions Trophy for competition among the Secondary Schools in Anambra State. This wonderful initiative set the ball rolling for cricket growth in the schools and further led to the emergence of Bishop Crowther Seminary (BCS), Awka as the winners of the 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013 editions of the National Junior Cricket Championship sponsored by Philip Asiodu. The school also won various awards at the national level. These achievements are rooted to the participation, exposure and successes recorded in the Hon. Justice Umeadi Championships."
The former Chief Judge turned Professor of Law, went further to expand the championship to cover more schools like, Regal Secondary School, Nri, Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia, Dennis Memorial Grammar School Onitsha and Christ The King College, Onitsha. Some of the young talents discovered during these tournaments have gone ahead to play in many regional, national and international tournaments.
They include, Captain of BCS team, Mogbo Chibueze, who became the highest goal scorer in one of the Howzat leagues. Charles Obasi of BCS later played for Nigeria in the Under-19 championship held in South Africa. Sebastian Izuakor, an ex-student of Regal Secondary School is today among the national female team. Nzube Nwokike represented Nigeria in the ICC Under-19 Cricket world cup held in South Africa in 2020. Chijioke Okafor, Ndubude Elochukwu and Udekwe Chiemelie will join in fighting for slots in the new U-19 national team that is to be called to camp soon.
Mr. Emeka Igwilo concluded that having followed the immense support and contributions of Prof. Umeadi, "the Nigeria Cricket Federation is happy to present the National Team jersey as a token of appreciation and recognition for the wonderful work done in the development of the game in Anambra State".