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How Visa Hitches Deny Team Nigeria Olympic Gymsatics Qualification- Coach Asuquo

Published

6 years ago

August 4, 2019

The Gleamer

How Visa Hitches Deny Team Nigeria Olympic Gymsatics Qualification- Coach Asuquo

…as TIG club got invite to represent Nigeria at African club Tourney

Joel Ajayi

After a rigourous financial and physical effort put in place by the TIG Gymnastics club of Abuja under the leadership of coach Tony Asuquo to qualify for the Junior Olympic, but still missed the competition courtesy of the late release of team’s passports from the South African High commission.

The competition is for progressions to the Olympics qualifications.

Though, Team Nigeria effort was crowned as the TIG Gymnastics club Abuja Nigeria, got an invite to represent Nigeria at the African club Gymnastics championship at Kempton park indoor sports center Johannesburg South Africa slated for 7th to 8th August 2019.

Coach Anthony Asuquo who expressed displeasure from South Africa saying despite the difficulty the team pass through to make the trip but still miss the competition.

According to him, we have missed two of the qualifications in Pretoria and Brits, that gives us slim chance to participate on the Big Stag.

“The reason’s for not attending the qualifications is due to the late release of our passports from the South African High commission. Our passports stayed in the embassy for over 6 weeks with the embassy, when the passports came out on the 7th week.

“Again, there was no flight from Abuja to Johannesburg so we decided to take domestic flights to Lagos, there we got flight that took us to libravale in Gabon, we waited another 2hrs, after take off we got to South Africa 3:30am.

“That same day the 2nd of August we went for training that same evening. But at the same time praying to see if they will allow the team from Nigeria take participate in the level 4 to the Junior Olympics competition.

He added: “Then we reluctantly dragged ourselves to Kempton Park, the venue for the competition and as a certified and recognised coach I approached the head of the organisers of the competition, after the conversation they decided to accept the Nigeria team take part in the competition.

“Some of the Gymnasts that got the visa and couldn’t make it are Gabriella Asemota she didn’t find domestic flights ticket as at the time.

“Also, Tomisin Babatunde and Princes Osirim couldn’t travel because of money to purchase their Tickets, why Ada Okafor and Olasunkanmi passport’s wasn’t ready as at the time the team depart.” He lamented.

However, the registered Gymnasts that participated in the competition with medals won include:

Stephanie Onusiriuka – Level 6 a Gold.

Akachi Umeh – level 4 a silver.

Imabassy Peters – Level 4 a bronze.

Oluwaposi folorunso Level 4 a bronze.

Kaima Ihedioha Level 5 a silver.

Akanimoh Peters level 4 a bronze.

Munachisom Ihedioha Level -4 a bronze medal.

Olayinka Kolade Level 4 a bronze medal.

Abigail Kolade level 4 got a Gold medal.

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Featured

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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