Sports
From Power Sector to Sports Icon, Engr. Ciroma Joseph Unveiled as KUGA 2025 Ambassador
By Joel Ajayi
As excitement mounts for the maiden edition of the Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025, organizers have officially unveiled Engineer Ciroma Joseph as the Ambassador of the faith-inspired sports event, bringing together his legacy in engineering with a passion for youth development through sports.
The Kingdom Unity Games, scheduled to take place from September 6–13, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, is a faith-based sporting initiative aimed at promoting peace, discipline, spiritual growth, and youth empowerment across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighboring states.
Though best known for his distinguished career in the engineering and power sector, Engr. Ciroma’s transformation into a respected voice in sports development underscores the multi-dimensional impact he continues to make.
“I’m truly honored to be associated with the 2025 Kingdom Unity Games,” he said during the official unveiling ceremony on Thursday in Abuja.
“Though I come from the power sector, I’ve always championed unity, peace, and youth development. Sports is one of the most powerful tools for achieving these goals. This event isn’t just about competition—it’s about connection, inclusion, and purpose.”
A seasoned international chess player and former Secretary of the Nigerian NEPA/PHCN Chess Association, Engr. Ciroma recalled his efforts in organizing chess tournaments that fostered camaraderie among staff from across Nigeria’s power sector generation, transmission, and distribution arms alike.
“Even as an engineer, I’ve always had a passion for sports and youth mentorship.
“We’ve moved from the analogue age into the digital era our youth must grow with the times. KUGA gives them a platform to express themselves, grow in discipline, and find meaningful direction.”
The brand new KUGA Ambassador, Engr. Ciroma called on communities across the FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and beyond to come out enmass to cheer the players: “This is a historic first edition, and how we begin will shape the legacy of KUGA.
“I will be personally reaching out to my networks to ensure strong participation at the opening, closing, and every activity in between.”
He also praised the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the official venue, noting its capacity to host large-scale events and accommodate diverse audiences.
Engr. Ciroma thanked government for investing in sport urging them to keep investing in programs like KUGA adding that, Sports remain a powerful antidote to insecurity and youth restiveness.
Also speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Convener of KUGA 2025 Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua emphasized that the event goes beyond athletics.
“KUGA is about discovery, unity, and purpose. We are focused on identifying talented youths within churches and across communities who might otherwise go unnoticed. This platform will expose them to scouts and professional opportunities—both locally and internationally.”
Ambassador Omonokhua further stressed the inclusive and interfaith nature of the Games.
“Although rooted in the Christian community, KUGA welcomes everyone Christians, Muslims, and others. It is a platform for national cohesion and collaboration through sport.”
However, the maiden edition will feature three core disciplines, all geared toward mass participation and talent discovery:
Football: 24 male teams representing churches from five major Christian blocs; Basketball: 16 teams—both male and female and Volleyball: 16 teams—male and female categories.
Ambassador Omonokhua concluded by reaffirming the organizing team’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience that blends faith, fun, and future-building for Nigeria’s youth.
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
