Nigeria won the International Cricket Council's Cricket Initiative of the Year 2023 in Africa on Wednesday, thanks to the PwC National U-17 Championship, which has been running for five years, according to TalkTalk Nigeria Sports Extra.

The country was one of 21 nations recognized by the ICC for another groundbreaking effort on and off the field in the year under review.

"The ICC Development Initiative of the Year award recognises the outstanding development initiative delivered during the year and regional winners include Nigeria Cricket Federation, whose U-17 Cricket Championship continues to provide competitive playing opportunities for boys and girls across the country," the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Nigeria and other regional winners from other continents will now be voted on to decide the global award winners in each category.

The NCF president, Uyi Akpata, stated that the prize could not have come at a better moment.

"This award recognizes the strength of collaboration. PwC and other partners took a chance on us and supported our development efforts. It is encouraging because it is producing benefits on a global scale," Akpata stated.

"It has been encouraging to know that the ICC has been keeping track of our initiatives, notably those of our team of dedicated cricket development officers and the federation's board. "This will only motivate us to go further."

Sam Abu, Country Senior Partner at PwC Nigeria, stated that the prize reinforced their belief in the game's potential.

"This global recognition for our joint initiative with the Nigeria Cricket Federation is one we are proud of, especially for the fact that it confirms that the game has the potential to galvanise, empower and equip the youths for global impact."

It is Nigeria's fourth accolade in appreciation of the country's recent achievements in cricket.

Nigeria was also named a regional winner of the 'Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year' for cricket development activities at an IDP camp in Edo State, as well as the 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year for a massive girl-child enrollment initiative in Zamfara State.