President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Uyi Akpata, has been returned for a second term in office after emerging unopposed at the federation’s annual general meeting and board elections held in Abuja on Saturday.

Akpata, first elected in 2021, will now lead the federation for another four years alongside 12 newly elected board members. Former Kwara State cricket stalwart Wale Obalola was voted in as vice president.

Other elected zonal representatives include Tayo Atoloye (South-West), who retained his seat, Femi John (South-South), Chika Okoro (South-East), Ladan Usman (North-West), Dare Aimola (North-Central), and Zainab Adamu (North-East).

In the players’ category, former men’s national team captain Endurance Ofem secured 30 of the 37 votes to beat fellow ex-international Chimezie Onwuzulike. Olumide Akinkokun was elected as technical representative, Prof Mariam Suleiman will represent the National Association of Women in Sports, Chuma Anosike emerged as the sponsors’ representative, while the military and paramilitary slot went to Major Monica Wabulla.

Akpata’s first tenure was marked by significant strides, including investment in infrastructure, high-performance programmes, grassroots development, and the introduction of professional contracts for Nigerian players.

These efforts have yielded results: the women’s U-19 team finished sixth at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year, while the senior women’s side clinched a historic bronze medal at the 2024 African Games in Ghana. Nigeria has also received multiple ICC awards, particularly for its progress in women’s cricket.

With his re-election, Akpata and the new board will be tasked with consolidating these gains and driving Nigerian cricket to greater heights.