Sports
Illegal betting: NPFL Upgrades inquest to full Investigation
Joel Ajayi
The case of a former Plateau United goalkeeper whose identity is being shielded, has now been raised to full investigation that will involve the invitation of some players whose names were mentioned during the inquest. However, the suspension of the goalkeeper from registering by any club for the season has been lifted pending the outcome of the escalated investigation.
An inquest to ascertain the veracity of the allegations was held on Thursday last week during which the goalkeeper appeared with his legal representative at the NPFL office in Abuja.
“The NPFL has now written to commend the player for cooperating with the panel and offering further insights that has necessitated a wider investigation involving some others” disclosed Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer who led the inquest.
In a written communication to the player, the NPFL stated that the information obtained during the inquest and other independent findings has led to the expansion to a full investigation that will involve all those whose names featured in some WhatsApp exchanges that are in the possession of the league.
“It is only fair that your career is not jeopardised while investigation hasn’t been concluded, hence the suspension placed on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted. You are free to register for any club of your choice. We thank you for your prompt response and cooperation”, a letter to the player read.
The goalkeeper had been invited to an investigative panel set up by the NPFL to determine his culpability or innocence in allegations of involvement in illegal betting.
The NPFL had received a report that the player declined to sign a contract form at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) which had a clause forbidden participation in betting activities.
The player had his registration with any NPFL club suspended pending the conclusion of investigations.
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
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