The Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU) has elected Ize Matebese as its new president, marking a fresh leadership era for the organization. The elective congress, which doubled as the union's general assembly, took place on September 30 at the Nigeria Olympic Committee headquarters in Lagos. Matebese succeeds Wale Oladunjoye, who led the union from 2018 and called for fresh elections after serving two terms.
The new executive team includes Abiona Babarinde as first vice president, Olukayode Oguntayo as second vice president, Priscilla Iroaganachi as secretary-general, Raliat Abdulsalam as deputy secretary-general, and Modupeola Ofonedo as treasurer. Matebese's immediate priorities include assembling a team to drive the sport's development, reviving the union's secretariat, and organizing a championship to raise its profile.
Matebese emphasized the importance of schools in identifying and nurturing young athletes, stating that her administration would focus on schools to involve young people in triathlon. She also expressed hope that the union could identify athletes capable of representing Nigeria at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Nigeria has yet to be represented in triathlon at the Olympic Games.
Lanre Glover, the union's life president, expressed optimism that the leadership transition would lead to more competitions and development programs. He highlighted the importance of school sports in developing the next generation of triathletes and described young people as the future of the sport. Glover also emphasized the need to restore the camaraderie that had characterized the union's activities.
The NTU was founded in November 2006 by sports administrators with experience in national federations to promote triathlon in Nigeria. The union was admitted into the International Triathlon Union (now World Triathlon) in February 2007 and became a full member of the African Triathlon Union in April 2007. It secured full membership of the Nigeria Olympic Committee in May 2007.
Matebese's emphasis on grassroots development aligns with the union's broader need to strengthen athlete identification, coaching, regular competition, and international exposure. The new leadership team is expected to focus on revitalizing triathlon in Nigeria through regular competitions, grassroots development, school programs, and increased public awareness of the sport.
The immediate test for the new leadership team will be translating its plans into sustained activities that can raise the profile of triathlon across the country. With Matebese pledging a new beginning, the union's future prospects look promising, and stakeholders are eager to see the impact of the new leadership on the sport.
Key points
- Ize Matebese elected as new president of Nigeria Triathlon Union
- New executive team unveiled to focus on revitalizing triathlon through regular competitions and grassroots development
- Union aims to identify and nurture young athletes through school programs
