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
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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