Connect with us

Sports

NCF Electoral Committee Clears Candidates for 2025 Nigeria Cricket Federation Elections

Published

on

By Joel Ajayi

In its bid to ensure a fair, credible, and transparent electoral process, the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Electoral Committee has screened candidates ahead of the 2025 NCF Board elections.

According to a statement signed by the Committee Chairman on Wednesday in Abuja, the elections will hold during the Federation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The elections are scheduled as follows: 19th September 2025 Election of Players’ Representative and Technical Representative, 20th September 2025 Election of Zonal Representatives, President, and Vice President

The Committee confirmed that nomination forms submitted by the deadline of midnight, 10th September 2025, were duly screened.

Cleared candidates include: Uyiosa Akpata, Olawale Obalola, Mariam Suleiman, Usman Ladan, Oludare Aimola, Olufemi John, Chika Okoro, Tayo Atoloye, Musa Sule Jarmai, Usman Danjuma, Zainab Ishiaku, Usman Musa Yali, Olumide Akintokun, Endurance Ofem, Chuma Anosike, and Monica Wuballa.

However, the Committee ruled that candidates who submitted their forms after the stipulated deadline were ineligible to contest. Those affected are Emeka Onyeama, Pakribo Telema Darego, and Chimezie Onwuzilike.

The Electoral Committee further reminded cleared candidates to submit a written manifesto clearly articulating their vision, objectives, and strategies for the development of cricket in Nigeria over the next four years, in line with the NCF Electoral Guidelines.

Continue Reading

Sports

Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

Published

on

Joel Ajayi

With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.

The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.

“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.

Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.

“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.

To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.

“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.

The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.

“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.

Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.

“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”

Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.

“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)