Sports
GFN President Dismisses Election Cancellation, Hails Tinubu and NSC Leadership
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.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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