Sports

Akinwunmi lauds FCAAN efforts at improving Nigeria coaches

Published

4 years ago

May 19, 2021

First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi has commended the efforts of the Football Coaches Association of African Nations (FCAAN) in enhancing the capacity of Football Coaches in Nigeria.

Akinwunmi, who is also the Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, made this known on a visit to the FCAAN ‘C’ course ongoing in the Ondo State capital, Akure on Tuesday. “I am impressed with what I have seen here because there is nothing to trump capacity –building and capacity –enhancement in any profession. Training the trainers is an important aspect of football and other sports, and what FCAAN is doing can be seen in this light.”

The seven-day programme which started on Monday has about 100 coaches in attendance. Akinwunmi spent time with the participants during match analysis session and was impressed by what he saw. FCAAN President, Dr Terry Eguaoje explained to Akinwunmi that the body presently has some of its trained coaches working in India, Oman and Benin Republic.

The NFF chieftain was in company with Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Mr Bayo Olanlege and other top officials of the State Football Associations of Ondo and Ekiti States. Olanlege described the coaching programme as lofty and opined that it should be encouraged.

Eguaoje, who is NFF’s Consultant on Coaching and Development, made known his position that Football Coaches in Nigeria should start directing the affairs of the National Teams in no distant time. The ‘C’ course will round off on Saturday.

Share on Facebook

Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

13 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

Share on Facebook