Sports
Tinubu Flags Off 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Vows Greater Investment in Sports Development
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Friday officially declared open the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to sports as a catalyst for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, the President emphasized that sports remain a vital force in building cohesion among Nigeria’s diverse peoples while offering young talents a pathway to international excellence.
“From these young athletes, future national and international stars will emerge. Our government remains committed to nurturing them with the right structures, facilities, and policies to ensure they grow into world-class ambassadors for Nigeria. Sports is not just recreation; it is a unifying force and a driver of national pride,” President Tinubu said.
He further pledged to strengthen grassroots sports programmes across the country, assuring that his government would continue to provide support through the National Sports Commission and other agencies.
“This administration will not relent in its quest to invest in our youth. With discipline, hard work, and the right environment, you our young athletes will carry the green-white-green to podiums around the world,” the President added.
Welcoming participants, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, praised the Games for uniting the nation through healthy competition. He assured athletes, coaches, and officials of Delta’s readiness to host a befitting championship, urging them to uphold fairness and integrity in all events.
“The National Youth Games have over the years produced stars who now represent Nigeria internationally. We are proud to host once again, and Delta is prepared to give athletes a safe, competitive, and memorable experience,” Governor Oborevwori said.
In his remarks, the Director-General, National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, underscored the significance of the Games in shaping the nation’s sporting future. According to him, the Youth Games remain the foundation for discovering podium athletes who later dominate at continental and global competitions.
“This is where the journey of greatness begins. Compete with heart, uphold fair play, and remember that you carry the hope of your states and the pride of the nation,” Olopade charged.
He added that the Commission under his leadership would intensify efforts to harness talents discovered at the Games through structured training programmes and international exposure.
“Our mission is to ensure that no raw talent is left behind. With sustained investment in youth sports, Nigeria will reclaim its pride of place in global competitions,” he declared.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, assured participants not just a sporting event but a memorable experience.
He urged athletes to compete with discipline, determination and showcase the spirit of sportsmanship.
The ceremony also featured the traditional oath-taking, with Obiagu Faith leading athletes in pledging allegiance to the rules of the Games, while Comrade Obioha George, Director of Sports, Abia State, swore on behalf of coaches and officials.
The Games, featuring 37 sporting events, have drawn contingents from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Host state Delta, defending champion of all eight editions since inception, now chases a ninth title as Asaba sets the stage for ten days of thrilling competition, talent discovery, and celebration of Nigeria’s unity through sports.”
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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