Sports
Nigeria Shines at ICC Annual Conference 2025 in Singapore
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is once again in the spotlight at the ongoing 2025 ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, with strong representation, impactful contributions, and notable recognition at key regional and global forums, including the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) Annual General Meeting.
A major highlight of the Africa Regional Meeting was the re-election of Dr. Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), to the ACA Board of Directors. Dr. Akpata, who previously served as an Interim Director, received a renewed mandate reflecting the continent’s confidence in his leadership and his role in advancing cricket development across Africa.
During the meeting, the ACA emphasized deeper collaboration among member nations, including peer reviews and knowledge-sharing strategies aimed at accelerating cricket growth on the continent. The newly constituted board, with Dr. Akpata among its seven directors, is expected to drive this renewed vision of unity and development.
At the ICC Associate Members Meeting earlier in the day, ICC Chair Jay Shah singled out Nigeria for praise, applauding the country’s outstanding performance at the U19 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Malaysia. He described Nigeria as a standout among Associate nations, earning global attention through consistent growth and achievement.
Further commendations came from Mr. Mubashshir Usmani, Chair of the Associate Members, who lauded the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s grassroots efforts. He specifically referenced initiatives like the Criiio Cricket Program and the 9ja Kids Cricket Initiative, recalling his personal experience attending the launch of plastic cricket gear in Lagos. Usmani described the NCF’s work as a “massive investment in the future of the sport.”
In another key development during the African regional engagements, countries in West Africa—including Cameroon—agreed to host the inaugural West Africa U17 Men’s Cricket Tournament in Ghana in Q4 2025. The event is intended to prepare teams for the ICC U19 Men’s Division 2 Qualifiers and Finals scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
To lead the initiative, Emeka Igwilo, General Manager of the NCF, was appointed Coordinator. He will oversee planning and engage with participating nations to finalize the calendar in line with academic schedules. Nigeria’s squad for the U17 tournament will be drawn from the 2025 PwC National Youth Cricket Events.
As the ICC Annual Conference enters its third day, more strategic decisions and resolutions are expected, all focused on strengthening cricket’s global footprint.
Nigeria’s active participation and growing international recognition underscore its rising profile in world cricket—driven by visionary leadership, innovation, and sustained grassroots investment.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
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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