Sports
PHOTOS: Uyi Akpata Re-elected As Nigeria Cricket Federation President
Uyi Akpata has secured a second term as President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation after emerging unopposed at the body’s annual general meeting and elections held in Abuja on Saturday.
Thirty-seven delegates cast their votes to elect Akpata alongside 12 other board members who will oversee the federation’s activities for the next four years. Former Kwara State stalwart, Wale Obalola, was voted in as vice president, while Tayo Atoloye, representing the South-West, returned for another term.
The South-South will now be represented by Femi John, team manager of the Junior Female Yellow Greens. Other zonal representatives include Chika Okoro (South-East), Ladan Usman (North-West), Dare Aimola (North-Central), and Zainab Adamu (North-East).
In a keenly contested players’ representative election, ex-national team captain Endurance Ofem won with 30 votes, beating fellow former international Chimezie Onwuzulike.
Olumide Akinkokun emerged as the technical representative, while Prof Mariam Suleiman will speak for the National Association of Women in Sports. Sponsors will be represented by Chuma Anosike, and Major Monica Wabulla will represent the military and paramilitary.
Akpata, who first came into office in 2021, is credited with changing the face of Nigerian cricket over the past four years. His tenure has seen major investments in infrastructure and high-performance facilities, grassroots development programmes rolled out nationwide, and the introduction of professional contracts for Nigerian players.
Reflecting on his re-election, Akpata said the federation would not rest on its recent successes. “We have shown that Nigerian cricket can compete on the global stage, but this is just the beginning. The next four years will focus on deepening development at all levels and ensuring our teams make even greater impact internationally,” he said.
Under his watch, Nigeria’s cricket teams have made history. Earlier this year, the women’s U-19 side finished sixth at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, while the senior women’s team won a bronze medal at the 2024 African Games in Ghana. Nigeria has also earned multiple ICC awards, particularly in recognition of its efforts to promote women’s cricket.
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