Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria Appoints 44 Coaches for National teams
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) has appointed 44 coaches to oversee the various disciplines of the national teams as part of its plans to strengthen the sport ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The appointments, contained in a statement signed by GFN Technical Director Rose Verisimo, cover Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), Aerobics, Trampoline, DMT and Tumbling, Parkour, Acrobatics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Gymnastics for All.
For Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, Isaiah Oni Erhunwunse (OLY) has been named senior head coach, with Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi as assistants. Kennedy Osawaro will lead the junior team, assisted by Jimoh Wasiu and Jimoh Azeez.
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics will be headed by Helen Albert at senior level, with Edem Umor Patric and Emmanuel Enejo as assistants.
Abosede Olatundun Oladele will coach the junior team, supported by Deborah Ajiboye and Noel Egbunu.
In Aerobics Gymnastics, Edina Ahue has been appointed senior head coach, alongside assistants David West Tamunuosaki and Jennifer Eke. Michael Ocheke will lead the junior team, with Dimeji Aluko and Toyosi Glory Adeyemi as assistants.
The Trampoline, DMT and Tumbling section will see Dorcas Abel lead the senior men’s team, assisted by Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon. Osasu Obasohan will head the senior women’s team, with Godwin Bamidele and Awokunle Ojo as assistants.
Michael Jos will lead the junior men, assisted by Stephen Taiwo and Christopher Akhidenor, while Adekemi Ademuwagun takes charge of the junior women alongside David Egbunu and Ashiagu Charles.
Parkour will have Victoria Itodo as senior women’s head coach, while Olorunfemi Samuel Adeyemi leads the senior men. Davidson Erhunwunse will coach the junior men, with Stephen Soyimiegha listed as an assistant coach.
In Acrobatics, Elkana Sabo has been appointed senior head coach, assisted by Friday Omigie. Kunle Adedoyin will lead the junior team alongside Amos Dauda.
Rhythmic Gymnastics will be coordinated by Cathrine Sasode, who takes charge of the senior team with Valentina Ojo as assistant. Chinedu Oyegbata will head the junior team, assisted by Praise Amsey.
For Gymnastics for All, Lesli Amadi has been appointed coordinator, with Kayode Olusegun Adesola and Maureen Ugiagbe as assistants.
The federation has also appointed Dr Uwa Anthonia as Safeguard Officer, Mrs Mary Ibrahim as Anti-Doping Officer, Rose Verisimo as Technical Director and Otasowie Alexander Erhunwunse as Gymnastics Developmental Director.
GFN President Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse said the coaches were selected based on their experience, dedication and achievements in their respective disciplines.
“These appointments were made based on merit, dedication, and the track records of the individuals. We have absolute confidence that these coaches possess the requisite experience and passion to elevate Nigerian gymnastics to unprecedented heights,” he said.
Erhunwunse said the federation’s immediate objective is to produce more athletes capable of winning medals at international competitions while building a strong team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“Our primary goal is clear: we want to produce world-class athletes who will not only dominate the African continent but also stand on the podium at the global stage,” he added.
“Preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics begins now, and we are putting the right technical crew in place to achieve this vision.”
The GFN president also urged the newly appointed coaches to approach their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and teamwork as they begin the task of developing the next generation of Nigerian gymnasts.
