Sports

15 TIG’s Gymnast To Feature In 2022 NSF In Asaba-Coach Asuquo

Published

3 years ago

November 28, 2022

Joel Ajayi

No fewer than 15 of the Gymnasts of Tony International Gymnastics Club TIG Club would feature for various states at the upcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba.

Founder of Tony International Gymnastics Club (TIG), Anthony Asuquo, gave the hint at the just concluded 13th TIG Level System Gymnastics competition in Abuja.

Asuquo, who is Nigeria’s first certified International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) coach, has over the years nurtured thousands of children in his TIG developmental thrives that is bringing growth and development to the Games in the country and the world.

As we are preparing for Asaba, at least 15 members of TIG Club will represent their states in Asaba come 28th of November to the 10th of December 2022.

“The growth of gymnastics, we have been able to train coaches from the street and they are now professional coaches, we take our time not to teach them only gymnastics but also coaching gymnastics.

“Most of our coaches are already out of the country like now, we have a coach who is now in Australia.

“We train gymnasts from grassroots to competitive level and also most of our gymnasts have represented the country and they are in the national team.”

However, the report has it that, about 14,000 athletes from the 36 states of the federation including the FCT will compete in over 30 different sports for medals, pride and honour.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

9 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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