Gymnastics federation names 44 coaches, targets LA 2028

The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria has appointed 44 coaches across various disciplines as it intensifies preparations aimed at qualifying athletes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

In a statement signed by the Technical Director of the federation, Rose Verisimo, Isaiah Erhunwunse was named head coach of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics. He will be assisted by Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi. Helen Albert was appointed head coach of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics team, with Edem Umor Patric and Emmanuel Enejo as her assistants.

In Trampoline, DMT and Tumbling, Dorcas Abel will handle the senior men, assisted by Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon, while Osasu Obasohan will lead the senior women with support from Godwin Bamidele and Awokunle Ojo.

For Aerobics Gymnastics, Edina Ahue was named head coach of the senior team, assisted by David West Tamunuosaki and Jennifer Eke. Michael Ocheke will oversee the junior team with Dimeji Aluko and Toyosi Glory Adeyemi as assistants. Appointments were also made in Parkour, Acrobatics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Gymnastics for All.

President of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse, said the coaches were carefully selected based on merit, dedication and track record.

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“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 stated that the federation’s primary goal is to produce world-class athletes who can win medals at continental and global levels and qualify a formidable contingent for the 2028 Olympics.

“Preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics begins now, and we are putting the right technical crew in place to achieve this vision,” he added.

He charged the newly appointed coaches to regard their roles as a patriotic call to duty and to maintain high levels of discipline, professionalism and teamwork.