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FEDERATION ELECTIONS ; GFN Presidential Candidate Omowunmi Olarere commends NSC for upholding Transparency and Fair play in Gymnastics Election saga

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As uncertainties continue to surround the Elections into the board of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, the National Sports commission, NSC, has been strongly commended for upholding the principle of transparency, due process and fair hearing among all stakeholders.

This is according to Omowunmi Kafilat Olalere, a key Gymnastics stakeholder and a Presidential candidate for the Gymnastics Federation board Elections.

” We all can see that it is no more business as usual as regards how Federation Elections are conducted where nobody can unilaterally disenfranchise anybody for their own selfish interest any longer”.

” This is why we all must praise the Leadership of the NSC led by the Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General Bukola Olopade who have come in and set a new standard where things must be done properly across the board, especially with the Federation elections”.

” It is very clear for everyone to see that Nigerian sports is in the right direction with these two technocrats and how they have insisted on only the right things, which is conducting free and fair elections acceptable to all and devoid of litigations”.

” If we must move Sports forward where we will have the most competent individuals managing our federations, then no stakeholder should be disenfranchised”, she added.

Several stakeholders in the Gymnastics family have written petitions to the sports commission to restore sanity and due process to the Gymnastics board elections where many accused the former board of going to conduct an election that lacked transparency, inclusivity and the backing of the country’s apex Sports regulators, the National Sports Commission, NSC.

The likes of the National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance ( NAPGER-SD), the Paramilitary sports organisations and other key stakeholders have vehemently rejected the widely condemned board elections of the Gymnastics federation conducted by Prince Kelvin Erhunmunse on the 6th of September 2025, and the NSC has assured all stakeholders that only a proper process will be legitimised.

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

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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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