.. Osita Onwuzulike Returns as LNCC Captain
By Philips Robinson-Adefioye, UK
Osita Onwuzulike has been re-elected captain of the London–Nigeria Cricket Club (LNCC), following the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held over the weekend. He will lead the team into the 2026 season.
Onwuzulike, who plays professionally in the Essex Cricket Premier League with Hornchurch Cricket Club in the United Kingdom, was returned for another term on the strength of his outstanding performance during the 2025 season.
Chairman of the AGM, Akinyemi “Makay” Makanjuola, described the 2025 meeting as a major success, noting that the LNCC continues to grow stronger as it prepares for the new season.
Makanjuola, a former captain of the Nigerian senior cricket team, emphasised that the club remains committed to promoting cricket globally while serving as ambassadors of Nigeria.
“There is still a lot to take forward. The passion is still there, the drive is still there, and the desire for cricket remains strong,” he said.
“We want to see this club continue its journey as an ambassador of the sport—not just in the UK, but as Nigerians around the world.”
Speaking on the club’s forthcoming 35th anniversary scheduled for 2026, Makanjuola highlighted the impact LNCC has had on Nigerians living in the UK. He said the club was founded to project Nigeria’s image positively and counter negative stereotypes.
According to him, a committee will be constituted to decide whether the anniversary celebrations will be held in Nigeria or in the UK.
“The club was founded in 1991 by two brothers, Tom and Roland Ilube. They have remained huge supporters of the club, and Roland is still an active player and the club’s vice-captain,” he explained.
“It’s about the impact the club has had on us as Nigerians in the UK. We want people to see Nigeria in a positive light. Everyone eats our jollof rice, the British and others listen to our music—it’s wonderful to witness. We have toured Nigeria four times, as well as Uganda, The Gambia and Rwanda, promoting Nigeria’s image.”
Makanjuola added that the 35th anniversary will be marked “in a big way,” though details remain under wraps.
“One of the ideas on the table is to explore celebrating our 35th anniversary in Nigeria,” he said.
“Watch this space. We’re trying to see if we can make it happen—and if we do, as usual, it will be excellent.”
Other executives who returned at the AGM include Roland Ilube as vice-captain; Matthew Condotti, secretary; Ade Ojomo, treasurer; and Michael Gabbay, fixtures secretary.
Sola Ojo was elected assistant fixtures secretary, while IK Odino emerged as welfare officer.
