Former national cricket team captain, Endurance Ofem may be considered as a replacement for the departing national coach Asanka Gurusinha who resigned from his position over ill health.
A source within the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) told NationSport yesterday that Ofem remains the choice of the federation following his experience as captain and a level two coach of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Ofem, who will be 40 in July, featured in several international matches including the ICC League in 2013 and 2014 where he distinguished himself. Ofem’s experience as a national player included playing for the West Africa U19s in 2001; Nigeria’s Cricket Club and Black Heath Cricket Club in the United Kingdom; Howzat Pioneers, GCI Old Boys Cricket Club, Ibeju Lekki Cricket Club, and Lagos Asians Cricket Club.
Ofem was also re-elected last September to the board of NCF as athletes’ representative after defeating Ayo Mene-Ejegi at the National Sports Federation election held in Abuja.
In a statement issued signed by NCF’s Secretary-General, Taiwo Oriss yesterday, Gurusinha resigned from his role as head coach and High-Performance Manager of the federation over health complications that will not enable him to conduct his role effectively.
The Sri Lankan Australian former international cricketer was employed in December 2020 by NCF and within a short period, he has made a significant impact by establishing a coaching development template that has been in effect across the country.
According to Oriss, in accordance with his contract, his resignation takes effect on June 30, 2022, while in the next of months, he will be working with the federation on a smooth transition.