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Team Nigeria Arrive South Africa For Inter-Club Gymnastics Competition

Published

6 years ago

August 1, 2019

…As Babatunde appeals for fund

Joel Ajayi

Coaches and 18 Gymnastics athletes have arrived South Africa for the Inter-Club Gymnastic championship slated for 2^nd to the 5^th of August 1, 2019.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja before departure, Nigeria Gymnastic Federation board member and Coach Anthony Asuquo said the team is ready to compete at this year’s edition on the 2^nd to 5^th of August before taking part in the another completion in Johannesburg from competitive level to Olympic level.

“We are ready to compete at level 16 African championship in South Africa, we have been working tirelessly and we believe we are going to do well. We have 18 athletes that would be featuring in this championship and we have a big one in on 7^th to 8^th in Johannesburg this event build Gymnasts from competitive level to Olympic level.

Speaking the challenge encounter so far, coach Asuquo said: “The challenges are worrisome we got a visa and we don’t have money to purchase the ticket for the less privileged athletes. Last year so many parents assisted but this year I don’t know what happen. And we don’t have enough money to do that.

He said the team is made up of medal hopefuls Gabriella Asemota and United States-based Uche Eke who will be joining the team in South Africa.

Asuquo said the gymnasts are ready to do the country proud and qualify for the Olympics next year.

“Babatunde who won two gold medals at last year’s championship require about N300, 000 to make the trip as 10 gymnasts departed. Babatunde who is dreaming of representing the country at next year’s Olympics in Tokyo said he failed to make the trip due to lack of funds.”

Meanwhile, one the Nigerian gold medalist at last year’s Inter-Club championship in South Africa Tomisin Babatunde has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropist for support as he missed the train to South Africa for the event.

Expressing his unhappiness Tomisin Babatunde said his target is to win 4 gold medals this year if he could still make to the two-leg championships in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

“Coach is still running around for money for me. If I am able to make I promise to improve on the two gold I won last year,” the 11 year-old lad vowed.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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