Paragraph 1: Re-election of Uyi Akpata and the New Board
Uyi Akpata has secured a second term as President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), solidifying his leadership for another four years. This unopposed re-election took place during the NCF’s annual general meeting and board elections held in Abuja. The resounding vote of confidence from the 37 delegates underscores Akpata’s successful first term and the positive trajectory of Nigerian cricket under his guidance. Joining him are 12 newly elected board members, forming a team tasked with continuing the federation’s progress and development initiatives. This new board represents diverse stakeholders in Nigerian cricket, bringing together experience and expertise from various regions and sectors.
Paragraph 2: Key Board Member Appointments and Regional Representation
Wale Obalola, a prominent figure in Kwara State cricket, assumes the role of Vice President, bringing his experience and influence to the leadership team. The board also features returning members like Tayo Atoloye, representing the South-West, ensuring continuity and institutional knowledge. Femi John, manager of the Junior Female Yellow Greens, will represent the South-South, adding valuable insight from the youth and women’s cricket landscape. Other zonal representatives include Chika Okoro (South-East), Ladan Usman (North-West), Dare Aimola (North-Central), and Zainab Adamu (North-East), establishing a geographically balanced board with representation from every corner of the country.
Paragraph 3: Player, Technical, and Special Interest Representation
The NCF board elections ensured representation from various crucial sectors within the cricket ecosystem. Former national team captain, Endurance Ofem, secured a decisive victory in the player representative election, highlighting his standing among his peers and his commitment to advocating for players’ interests. Olumide Akinkokun’s appointment as the technical representative brings valuable expertise in coaching, training, and overall technical development of the game. The inclusion of Prof Mariam Suleiman from the National Association of Women in Sports reinforces the NCF’s commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women’s cricket.
Paragraph 4: Sponsor Inclusion and Paramilitary Representation
The election of Chuma Anosike as the sponsors’ representative underscores the importance of private sector partnerships in supporting the growth of cricket in Nigeria. This role is crucial for securing financial stability and ensuring the sustainability of the NCF’s programs. The inclusion of Major Monica Wabulla, representing the military and paramilitary, signifies the potential for collaboration with these institutions, particularly in terms of infrastructure development and talent identification within their ranks. This broadened representation emphasizes the NCF’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive cricketing environment.
Paragraph 5: Akpata’s First Term Achievements and Vision
Uyi Akpata’s first term as NCF President, which began in 2021, has been marked by significant progress and strategic initiatives aimed at elevating Nigerian cricket. His leadership has ushered in a period of substantial investment in infrastructure development, laying the groundwork for improved training facilities and competition venues. A strong emphasis on high-performance programs, coupled with national grassroots development initiatives, reflects a holistic approach to nurturing talent at all levels. The introduction of professional contracts for Nigerian players represents a landmark achievement, providing players with financial stability and incentivizing them to pursue cricket as a career.
Paragraph 6: International Successes and Recognition
Under Akpata’s leadership, Nigerian cricket has achieved notable success on the international stage. The women’s U-19 team’s sixth-place finish at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia showcases the growing strength of the women’s game in the country. This accomplishment follows the senior women’s team’s historic bronze medal win at the African Games in Ghana in 2024, a testament to the effectiveness of the NCF’s development programs. The numerous International Cricket Council (ICC) awards bestowed upon Nigeria further validate the country’s strides in promoting cricket, particularly for women, and solidifies its position as a rising force in African cricket.
