Nigerian Gymnastics Federation appoints female coaches in various disciplines

The Nigerian Gymnastics Federation has released the list of 44 coaches to manage the various disciplines in the national teams.

In a statement signed by Rose Verisimo, Technical Director of GFN, Isaiah Erhunwunse (OLY) has been appointed as the head coach of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), who will be assisted by Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi, while Helen Albert (head coach), Edem Umor Patric and Emmanuel Enejo will be in charge of Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG).

In Trampoline, DMT and Tumbling (DMT and PT), Dorcas Abel will be in charge of the senior men as head coach and will be assisted by Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon, while Osasu Obasohan, Godwin Bamidele and Awokunle Ojo are in charge of the senior women.

In Aerobic Gymnastics, Edina Ahue has been appointed head coach of the senior team, who will be assisted by David West Tamunuosaki and Jennifer Eke, while Michael Ocheke is the head coach of the junior team, who will be assisted by Dimeji Aluko and Toyosi Glory Adeyemi.

The President of the Nigerian Gymnastics Federation, Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse, explained that the various coaches were carefully selected because they have distinguished themselves in their respective disciplines.

He said: “These appointments were made based on merit, dedication and background of the individuals. We have absolute confidence that these coaches possess the experience and passion required to elevate Nigerian gymnastics to unprecedented heights.”

Erhunwunse revealed that the ultimate goal of the federation is to have more athletes win medals for Nigeria at various international championships and ultimately qualify a formidable contingent for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

He said: “Our main objective is clear: we want to produce world-class athletes who will not only dominate the African continent but also stand on the podium on the world stage.

“Preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games begins now and we are building the right technical team to achieve this vision.”

Additionally, he charged the newly appointed coaches to view their roles as a patriotic call to duty.

The UAG Vice President said: “I urge all our coaches to view this appointment as a sacred calling to serve our homeland. We expect high levels of discipline, professionalism and teamwork as they prepare the next generation of Nigerian gymnasts.”

Complete list of appointees

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG)
Senior team:
Helen Albert (head coach)
Edem Umor Patric (Assistant Coach Emmanuel Enejo (Assistant Coach 2)

Youth team:
Abosede Olatundun Oladele (head coach)
Deborah Ajiboye (Assistant Coach 1)
Noel Egbunu (assistant coach 2)

Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG)
Senior team:
Isaiah Oni Erhunwunse (head coach)
Bala Magaji Juwara (assistant coach 1)
Anthony Duilemi (assistant coach 2)

Youth team:
Kennedy Osawaro (head coach)
Jimoh Wasiu (assistant coach 1)
Jimoh Azeez (assistant coach 2)

Aerobic gymnastics
Senior team:
Edina Ahue (Coach)
Devid West Tamunuosaki (assistant coach 1)
Jennifer Eke (assistant coach 2)

Youth team:
Michael Ocheke (head coach)
Dimeji Aluko (assistant coach 1)
Toyosi Glory Adeyemi (assistant coach 2)

Trampoline, DMT and Tumbling (DMT and PT)
Older men:
Dorcas Abel (Coach)
Osamudiamwenam Amennaghawon (assistant coach 1)

Older women:
Osasu Obasohan (Head Coach)
Godwin Bamidele (assistant coach 1)
Awokunle Ojo (Assistant Coach 2)

Young men:
Michael Jos (head coach)
Stephen Taiwo (assistant coach 1)
Christopher Akhidenor (assistant coach 2)

Junior Women:
Adekemi Ademuwagun (head coach)
David Egbunu (assistant coach 1)
Ashiagu Charles (assistant coach 2)

Parkour (PK)
Women’s Senior: Victoria Itodo (Head Coach)

Senior Men: Olorunfemi Samuel Adeyemi (Head Coach)

Men’s Junior: Davidson Erhunwunse (head coach)

Women’s Team: Stephen Soyimiegha (Assistant Coach 1)

Acrobatics
Senior team:
Elkana Sabo (Coach)
Friday Omigie (Assistant Coach 1)

Youth team:
Kunle Adedoyin (head coach)
Amos Dauda (Assistant Coach 1)

Rhythmic gymnastics
Senior Team and General Coordinator:
Cathrine Sasode (head coach)
Valentina Ojo (Assistant Coach 1)

Youth team:
Chinedu Oyegbata (Head Coach)
Praise Amsey (Assistant Coach 1)

Gymnastics for all and administration
Gymnastics for All Coordinators:
Lesli Amadi (Coach)
Kayode Olusegun Adesola (Assistant Coach 1)
Maureen Ugiagbe (assistant coach 2)

Safeguarding Officer: Dr Uwa Anthonia
Anti-Doping Officer: Ms. Mary Ibrahim
Technical Director: Rose Verisimo (Technical Director, GFN)
Gymnastics Development Director: Otasowie Alexander Erhunwunse