The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) has released a list of 44 coaches appointed to handle different disciplines in the national teams. According to Rose Verisimo, the Technical Director of GFN, the appointments were made to strengthen the teams ahead of upcoming international competitions. The list includes head coaches and assistant coaches for senior and junior teams in various disciplines, including Men's Artistic Gymnastics, Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline, DMT, and Tumbling, Aerobics Gymnastics, and others.
In Men's Artistic Gymnastics, Isaiah Erhunwunse has been appointed head coach, assisted by Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi. For Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Helen Albert will lead the senior team, supported by Edem Umor Patric and Emmanuel Enejo. Dorcas Abel has been appointed head coach for senior men in Trampoline, DMT, and Tumbling, while Osasu Obasohan will handle the senior women. Edina Ahue will lead the senior team in Aerobics Gymnastics, assisted by David West Tamunuosaki and Jennifer Eke.
President of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse, explained that the coaches were selected based on merit, dedication, and their track records in their respective disciplines. He expressed confidence that the appointed coaches have the experience and passion to elevate Nigerian gymnastics to new heights. Erhunwunse emphasized that the federation's ultimate goal is to have more athletes win medals for Nigeria at international championships and qualify a strong contingent for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The GFN president charged the newly appointed coaches to view their roles as a patriotic call to duty. He urged them to exhibit high levels of discipline, professionalism, and teamwork as they groom the next generation of Nigerian gymnasts. Erhunwunse also emphasized the importance of preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which begins now, and the need for a strong technical crew to achieve this vision.
The appointments also include coaches for junior teams in various disciplines. For example, Abosede Olatundun Oladele has been appointed head coach for the junior Women's Artistic Gymnastics team, assisted by Deborah Ajiboye and Noel Egbunu. Similarly, Kennedy Osawaro will lead the junior Men's Artistic Gymnastics team, supported by Jimoh Wasiu and Jimoh Azeez.
Other disciplines with appointed coaches include Parkour, Acrobatics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Gymnastics for All. Cathrine Sasode has been appointed head coach for the senior Rhythmic Gymnastics team and general coordinator, assisted by Valentina Ojo. Elkana Sabo will lead the senior Acrobatics team, supported by Friday Omigie.
The GFN has also appointed coordinators for Gymnastics for All and administration, as well as a safeguard officer, anti-doping officer, and technical director. With these appointments, the federation aims to develop a strong technical team to drive the growth of gymnastics in Nigeria and achieve success at international competitions.
Key points
- The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria has appointed 44 coaches to handle various disciplines in the national teams.
- The appointments were made based on merit, dedication, and track records of the individuals.
- The federation's ultimate goal is to qualify a strong contingent for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
