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NSC Outlines President Tinubu’s New Sports Mandate to Federation Presidents

Published

2 years ago

on

Joel Ajayi

…Calls for collective collaboration to build robust sports economy

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new mandate aimed at transforming Nigerian sports into a sustainable sports economy.

The detailed vision-unveiling was led by the leadership of the NSC during a strategic meeting with Presidents and Secretaries of various Sports Federations, on Tuesday, in Abuja.

The meeting marked the first official engagement between the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade with federation leaders following institutional changes in Nigeria’s Sports sector.

Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko emphasized the shared vision between the NSC and Sports Federations, stressing the importance of partnership in driving growth and sustainability in Nigerian sports.

“We believe we are all partners with the various Sports Federations, working together for the same goal — to reposition Nigerian sports,” Dikko stated.

“We came here with a clear mandate from Mr. President to get sports working again by building a sustainable sports economy. We can’t just measure our sports by participation in tournaments but by its contributions to the entire economy, and that is the new mandate and direction,” he added.

To achieve this vision, Dikko outlined a three-pillar strategy for Nigerian sports: Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch.

“Our thinking is that competitions are basically consumption, while development is production. At the end of the day, we want the success of all of us to be measured by the development we put on the ground to get the sports growing and create value. Then we can move to the next level of competitions,” he explained.

He further revealed ongoing plans to establish a National Sports Development Fund and a National Sports Infrastructure Board through legislative acts. These structures are expected to provide a solid financial and infrastructural foundation to support sports development across the country.

Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade echoed the Chairman’s call for strategic reforms, emphasizing the NSC’s commitment to athlete development and governance restructuring.

“One thing we have also worked on is getting a consultant to come work with the Commission. Mr Bambo Akani, Founder & CEO of Making of Champions will be our Consultant, working closely with the Commission to develop a relationship with the elite athletes across all the Sports through the Elite Development and Podium Board,” Olopade revealed.

He announced plans to establish a training fund for exceptional athletes, which will commence in February 2025. The fund will ensure athletes receive financial support for training well ahead of major competitions.

“Once we do that, we will start paying their training funds long before a major event. The days of athletes getting training grants at competition venues are gone,” Olopade stated.

He also emphasized the NSC’s efforts to improve governance within Sports Federations by introducing a corporate governance structure and appointing marketing-driven Chief Operating Officers (COOs). He applauded the Nigeria Rugby Federation for leading this effort with the appointment of Babatunde Adeluola as its COO.

Olopade further revealed that the NSC is making significant strides in tapping into the lucrative eSports industry, which is valued at millions of dollars globally.

“We are also working on tapping into the millions of dollars in the eSports industry, and very soon, the Federation of eSports will be well-structured to join the league of Nigerian sports federations,” Olopade disclosed.

On the part of the sports federations, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Musa Kida, commended the NSC’s fresh approach to sports development.

“Having listened to the remarks of both the NSC Chairman and the DG, there is a breath of fresh air. As Federation Presidents, we are already seeing solutions coming for the country’s sports,” Kida stated.

With a renewed focus on collaboration, sustainability, and economic development, the NSC is determined to redefine Nigeria’s sports sector, shifting from mere participation in tournaments to creating a thriving, self-sustaining sports economy.

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Sports

Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria appoints coaches into various disciplines

Published

46 mins ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

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

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