Sports
10th Senate President’s Under 18 Unity Cup Set to Kick Off in Abuja
In a remarkable celebration of unity and talent, the 10th Senate President’s Under 18 Unity Cup is poised to captivate football enthusiasts and supporters of grassroots sports development as it kicks off from November 10 to 17, 2024, in Abuja. Themed the “Renewed Hope Edition,” this groundbreaking tournament, organized by the Grassroot Sports Federation, SOUTH SOUTH, is a testament to the commitment to fostering unity in diversity and nurturing young talents.
With 13 teams competing for the prestigious star prize, the tournament promises to be a spectacle of skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong, the tournament coordinator, shared the noble objectives of the competition, highlighting the significance of promoting unity, unearthing budding talents, creating employment opportunities for the youth through football, and combating youth restiveness.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ekpenyong expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the National Assembly Leadership, particularly Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, towards sports development in Nigeria. The establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) further underscores the leadership’s dedication to nurturing and advancing sports at all levels.
Ekpenyong emphasized, “The participating teams, selected from the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria, with 2 teams representing each zone, in addition to a specially chosen team from the host city, Abuja, embody the rich talent diversity within the country. This tournament serves as a platform for these young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially pave the way for a promising future in the football world.”
Reflecting on the pivotal role of Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, the life Patron of the Grassroot Sports Federation, SOUTH SOUTH, Ekpenyong recalled the Senator’s unwavering support for grassroots sports development, dating back to his tenure as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom state. “We are appreciative of the Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Right from his time as a governor, he championed grassroots sports development, benefiting over 200 players during his tenure,” Ekpenyong stated.
As anticipation mounts for the 10th Senate President’s Under 18 Unity Cup, football enthusiasts and advocates for grassroots sports development eagerly await a week filled with thrilling matches, inspiring performances, and the celebration of unity through the beautiful game. This tournament not only showcases the raw talent of young athletes but also serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth of Nigeria.
Sports
Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria appoints coaches into various disciplines
Joel Ajayi
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria has released the list of 44 coaches to handle the various disciplines in the national teams.
In a statement signed by Rose Verisimo, the Technical Director of GFN, Isaiah Erhunwunse (OLY) has been appointed head coach of the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), to be assisted by Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi, while Helen Albert (head coach), Edem Umor Patric, and Emmanuel Enejo will be in charge of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG).
In Trampoline, DMT, and Tumbling (DMT & PT), Dorcas Abel will handle the senior men as head coach and will be assisted by Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon, while Osasu Obasohan, Godwin Bamidele, and Awokunle Ojo are in charge of the senior women.
In the Aerobics Gymnastic, Edina Ahue has been appointed head coach Senior Team, to be assisted by David West Tamunuosaki and Jennifer Eke while, Michael Ocheke is the head coach of the junior team, to be assisted by Dimeji Aluko and Toyosi Glory Adeyemi.
President of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse explained that the various coaches were carefully selected because they have distinguished themselves in their respective disciplines.
He said: “These appointments were made based on merit, dedication, and the track records of the individuals. We have absolute confidence that these coaches possess the requisite experience and passion to elevate Nigerian gymnastics to unprecedented heights.”
Erhunwunse revealed that the federation’s ultimate target is to have more athletes win medals for Nigeria at various international championships and ultimately qualify a formidable contingent for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
He said: “Our primary goal is clear: we want to produce world-class athletes who will not only dominate the African continent but also stand on the podium at the global stage.
“Preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics begins now, and we are putting the right technical crew in place to achieve this vision.”
He further charged the newly appointed coaches to see their roles as a patriotic call to duty.
The UAG Vice President said: “I urge all our coaches to view this appointment as a sacred call to serve our fatherland. We expect high levels of discipline, professionalism, and teamwork as you groom the next generation of Nigerian gymnastics.”
Full List of Appointees
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
Senior Team:
Helen Albert (Head Coach)
Edem Umor Patric (Assistant Coach Emmanuel Enejo (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Team:
Abosede Olatundun Oladele (Head Coach)
Deborah Ajiboye (Assistant Coach 1)
Noel Egbunu (Assistant Coach 2)
Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
Senior Team:
Isaiah Oni Erhunwunse (Head Coach)
Bala Magaji Juwara (Assistant Coach 1)
Anthony Duilemi (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Team:
Kennedy Osawaro (Head Coach)
Jimoh Wasiu (Assistant Coach 1)
Jimoh Azeez (Assistant Coach 2)
Aerobics Gymnastics
Senior Team:
Edina Ahue (Head Coach)
Devid West Tamunuosaki (Assistant Coach 1)
Jennifer Eke (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Team:
Michael Ocheke (Head Coach)
Dimeji Aluko (Assistant Coach 1)
Toyosi Glory Adeyemi (Assistant Coach 2)
Trampoline, DMT, and Tumbling (DMT & PT)
Senior Men:
Dorcas Abel (Head Coach)
Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon (Assistant Coach 1)
Senior Women:
Osasu Obasohan (Head Coach)
Godwin Bamidele (Assistant Coach 1)
Awokunle Ojo (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Men:
Michael Jos (Head Coach)
Stephen Taiwo (Assistant Coach 1)
Christopher Akhidenor (Assistant Coach 2)
Junior Women:
Adekemi Ademuwagun (Head Coach)
David Egbunu (Assistant Coach 1)
Ashiagu Charles (Assistant Coach 2)
Parkour (PK)
Senior Women:Victoria Itodo (Head Coach)
Senior Men: Olorunfemi Samuel Adeyemi (Head Coach)
Junior Men:Davidson Erhunwunse (Head Coach)
Women’s Team: Stephen Soyimiegha (Assistant Coach 1)
Acrobatics
Senior Team:
Elkana Sabo (Head Coach)
Friday Omigie (Assistant Coach 1)
Junior Team:
Kunle Adedoyin (Head Coach)
Amos Dauda (Assistant Coach 1)
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Senior Team & General Coordinator:
Cathrine Sasode (Head Coach)
Valentina Ojo (Assistant Coach 1)
Junior Team:
Chinedu Oyegbata (Head Coach)
Praise Amsey (Assistant Coach 1)
Gymnastics for All & Administration
Gymnastics for All Coordinators:
Lesli Amadi (Head Coach)
Kayode Olusegun Adesola (Assistant Coach 1)
Maureen Ugiagbe (Assistant Coach 2)
Safeguard Officer: Dr. Uwa Anthonia
Anti-Doping Officer: Mrs. Mary Ibrahim
Technical Director: Rose Verisimo (Technical Director, GFN)
Gymnastics Developmental Director: Otasowie Alexander Erhunwunse
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
