Sports

GFN President Dismisses Election Cancellation, Hails Tinubu and NSC Leadership

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The President-elect of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Prince Kelvin Erhunwmunse, has strongly refuted a recent press statement from the National Sports Commission (NSC) which listed the GFN among federations scheduled to hold fresh elections on October 18, 2025.

While speaking to Journalists on the issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Prince Kelvin described the inclusion of GFN in the NSC’s directive as a “clear error”, emphasizing that the federation’s elections were duly held on September 6, 2025, in full compliance with its constitution, and with the oversight of relevant stakeholders.

> “This is to inform the Gymnastics family, the sporting community, and the general public that the press statement from the NSC, announcing a new election date for the GFN, must have been made in error,” said Prince Kelvin.

He added that the September 6 election was free, fair, and transparent, with all constitutional processes observed, and has since received widespread recognition and validation.

And Follow the successful conclusion of the election, congratulatory messages were received from: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). The African Gymnastics Union (UAG). The Azerbaijan Gymnastics FederationOther critical international and regional stakeholders

Prince Kelvin used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent professionals to lead Nigerian sports, specifically praising: Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission. Chief Bukola Olopade, Director General, NSC

“President Tinubu’s decision to appoint seasoned sports administrators like Alhaji Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olopade was not a mistake. These are individuals with decades of experience, and their presence is already reshaping the landscape of Nigerian sports,” he said.

Prince Kelvin, however, expressed concern over what he described as the influence of “fifth columnists”—individuals within ministries and parastatals who, he claims, are working behind the scenes to sabotage well-intentioned reforms.
“Regrettably, there are always shadowy figures in every institution who seek to derail progress.

Unfortunately, the sports sector is not exempt. The press release in question appears to be one of their ploys and should be disregarded in totality,” he asserted.

Reaffirming the legitimacy of the GFN board, Prince Kelvin assured stakeholders that the federation is currently working closely with the NSC leadership to clarify and normalize the situation.

“The GFN elections were conducted in line with our constitution as approved by FIG and under the directives of the NSC. We remain confident in the support of the NSC leadership and are in active communication to address any misunderstandings.”

He urged all stakeholders to remain calm and focused on the ongoing development of gymnastics in Nigeria.

The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria maintains that its board was duly elected, legally constituted, and internationally recognized, and as such, the call for a re-election is unnecessary and unfounded.

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Sports

Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

Published

1 hour ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.

The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.

“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.

Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.

“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.

To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.

“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.

The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.

“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.

Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.

“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”

Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.

“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.

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