History-making Nigerian Cricket star Blessing Etim announces retirement after African games, reveals plans for next phase
Captain of the Female Yellow Greens, Blessing Etim, called time on her active career in Cricket after rhelping Nigeria win bronze at the 2023 African Games in Ghana.
In an interview with Punch, the veteran Cricket star discussed the medal-winning feeling and her plans for the future.
Reflecting on her bronze medal win at the African Games, Etim expressed immense satisfaction at ending her national team journey on such a high note.
As the least ranked team at the Games, the Female Yellow Greens defied expectations and showcased their determination to succeed, earning what Etim fondly calls a “golden bronze.”
She said: ” We (Nigeria) were there as the lowest ranked and we needed to prove a point. So, for us, we put our body and soul to it and on our own, we did a lot, beyond what the technical crew demanded from us.
” That was the energy we had in Ghana and it shows how far we have come, regardless of how we rank compared to the other teams. It’s a golden bronze indeed because playing third-place isn’t easy and we are so proud of it. When you play a final, you are guaranteed a medal, either gold or silver. But in our case, it was either bronze or nothing. So, it’s a golden bronze for us, ” Etim remarked.
Etim, who reached 50 caps during the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Uganda, revealed that her decision to retire had been brewing for some time.
However, she wanted to ensure she made a significant impact before hanging up her boots. She expressed gratitude for the support of her teammates, coach, and federation president, Uyi Akpata, in her retirement decision.
The retired cricketer shared insights into her humble beginnings in the sport, recounting how she discovered cricket during her school days in Lagos.
From those early experiences, Etim’s passion for cricket blossomed, leading her to represent Nigeria on the international stage and eventually become the team’s captain.
Etim emphasised her plans for the future, particularly her dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting cricket development in Nigeria.
As a Development Officer in Akwa Ibom State, she aims to create opportunities for aspiring cricketers and guide them towards success.
Blessing Etim added ” Apart from personal plans, I have not been doing so much as a Development Officer, so, I need to dedicate more time and channel my energy to the development of more players in our state. There is an U-19 tournament coming up and I want them to be part of it, as well as some other endeavours aside cricket, including business.”
Despite cricket’s relatively lower profile compared to other sports in Nigeria, Etim remains optimistic about the sport’s future. She believes that with continued dedication, support from the federation, and increased exposure, Nigerian cricketers can reach superstar status on the global stage.
In conclusion, Blessing Etim expressed fulfillment with her cricketing journey, stating that she has no regrets. As she transitions into the next phase of her life, she looks forward to witnessing the growth and success of Nigerian cricket, fueled by the efforts of players, coaches, and administrators alike.
