Sports
Onyeama Sets Sights on NCF Board, Rolls Out Seven-Point Cricket Development Plan
By Joel Ajayi
As the build-up to Saturday’s Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) elections intensifies, former NCF President and current chairman of the FCT Cricket Association, Emeka Onyeama, has outlined a seven-point agenda he believes will transform cricket in the country.
Onyeama, who is seeking to return to the board as North Central representative, said his ambition is not driven by titles but by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the sport’s growth. “I can’t help the game if I’m outside. I need to be on the board to effect change, and that’s what I’m working toward,” he stated.
His agenda focuses on grassroots expansion, modernization of cricket governance, and long-term sustainability. The seven points include: Grassroots Revolution through partnerships with tertiary institutions.Nationwide Infrastructure Development, especially on university campuses.Technology Integration in cricket operations and outreach.Strategic Media Partnerships to broaden exposure.Transparency in Governance and decision-making.Inclusivity across regions, gender, and age groups. Sustainability through private sector engagement and long-term planning.
Onyeama emphasized that true development goes beyond elite competitions, noting that universities and schools must be central to Nigeria’s cricket future. “One of my priorities is to extend cricket into universities because we need more undergraduates involved,” he said.
He described media and digital platforms as critical drivers of growth, calling for stronger presence on TikTok, X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and live streaming of games. “Media is not just a partner — it is an integral shareholder in the sports business,” Onyeama stressed.
On governance, he urged Nigerian federations to adopt corporate models similar to the International Cricket Council (ICC), where accountability, structured programmes, and local development statistics determine global support. “Sports in Nigeria cannot remain informal. We must publish annual programmes, structure activities, and channel funds into building the game locally, not endless foreign trips,” he argued.
According to Onyeama, Nigeria must prioritize players, grassroots infrastructure, and media synergy to attract investment, grow audiences, and make cricket commercially viable. He added that sports leadership should not be treated as a retirement plan for civil servants but as a serious business requiring resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“My agenda is clear: strengthen grassroots cricket, deepen media collaboration, drive infrastructure, and make Nigerian sports vibrant, profitable, and globally competitive,” Onyeama concluded.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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