For the NCF, it’s a new dawn for Nigeria cricket

When the Olympics ends every four years, the glamour and excitement thin out as athletes, administrators and fans embrace the reality that awaits them upon their return home.

The National Sport Federation Elections usually signals the end of a journey and the beginning of another. It is a time when politics is at its peak, with board members scrambling for re-election into various positions while outsiders also jostle to get on board. This was the case with the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) election on September 21 and 22 across the country.

Those who previously served on the board would have self-assessment on their contributions to the growth and development of the sport to determine whether or not they deserved to return. In isolated cases, however, candidates resorted to desperate measures in a bid to attain the coveted positions.

For cricket, evidence of the success stories abounds, needing no debate, as the federation has recorded the highest activities in the history of cricket board till date, particularly in the last four years, a development that was applauded widely and specifically by the Sports Minister Sunday Dare.

Among the notable achievements include qualification for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup for the first time in history and the hiring of a foreign coach to improve the standard of cricket in the country.

Ordinarily, this should be enough testament for a smooth election in the various constituencies, just that it would still not be an election without changes or surprises at the poll.

Nonetheless, election was conducted across the country and most members of the board were returned unopposed, especially from the six geo-political zones in a very free and fair atmosphere, thanks to the enabling environment provided by the sports ministry. However, south west returned with a new zonal representative, Tayo Atoloye, an ex-international and huge promoter of grassroots cricket in the region. Likewise in the north west with Usman Ladan, a seasoned administrator, as well as and Musa Sule Jarmai from Gombe State representing the north east.

It is noteworthy that the immediate past president of the cricket federation, Prof. Yahaya Ukwenya, opted out of re-election after serving passionately for 16 years on the board, equally opting to return to promoting grassroots cricket in his native Kaduna State. Ukwenya’s success story as president speaks volume in every department of the sport, especially in the past four years.

Engineer Emeka Onyeama emerged as the biggest loser in the election. Although the former NCF president contested from the north central zone, he was defeated by the incumbent, Mr. Dare Aimola.

Endurance Ofem, ex-international, also got unanimous approval to continue as the player’s representative along with Prof. Suleiman, representative of the National Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS).

Joseph Eshua, a former general manager of the federation and an ex-international, came on board for the first time on high recommendation, replacing Enesi Dahiru.

It is remarkable that the next four years would present the new board with a broader vista for development, especially as there are high standards to look up to. It is just as well that there are capable members to effect this looming new dawn.