Sports

Cricket Needs Change, Governance Must Improve –Emeka Onyeama

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

Former President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) and current chairman of the FCT Cricket Association, Emeka Onyeama, has stressed the urgent need for reforms in cricket governance, calling for fairness, accountability, and people-driven leadership in the sport.

Speaking in Abuja ahead of Saturday’s NCF board elections, where he is contesting to represent the North Central zone, Onyeama unveiled a seven-point development agenda designed to reposition Nigerian cricket for growth and sustainability. He made it clear that his ambition is not about clinging to the presidency at all costs but about making meaningful contributions to decision-making in the game.

“No one makes himself king; leaders are chosen by the people,” Onyeama noted, as he criticized what he described as an atmosphere of fear and exclusion within the NCF. According to him, the current system discourages open dialogue and often prioritizes personal interests through last-minute appointments and manipulative practices.

He warned against turning sports administration into a “retirement plan” for civil servants, stressing that the future of cricket requires resilience, entrepreneurial vision, and business-minded leadership capable of building strong, sustainable institutions.

Onyeama also emphasized governance standards such as term limits, transparent elections, and strict accountability, citing the International Cricket Council as a model. “No one should be both judge and competitor in their own election,” he cautioned, insisting that electoral credibility is central to restoring trust in the federation.

Recalling past irregularities — including forged signatures and questionable endorsements — he argued that his return to the board is necessary to safeguard players and stakeholders from disenfranchisement.

Onyeama concluded by reaffirming his commitment to integrity and reform. “We will persist, we will hold people accountable, and we will reclaim governance so that elections are credible and our federations are strong enough to attract both investment and public trust,” he declared.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

13 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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