Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Nigeria Gymnastics Federation (NGF) has unveiled plans to position Enor Obong-Etim and Ene Theresa Apochi as the faces of Nigeria’s gymnastics campaign ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
The decision comes on the heels of the duo’s outstanding performance at the just-concluded 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Gateway Games in Ogun State.
Obong-Etim, who represented Edo State, clinched four gold medals, while Apochi, representing Delta State, dazzled with five gold medals — cementing their status as the country’s brightest gymnastics prospects.
Speaking after the festival, Mr. Alexander Otasowie Erhumwunse, Chief Jury of the NGF and a member of Union Africa de Gymnastique (UAG), praised both athletes for their world-class routines and Olympic-level potential.
“Obong-Etim is already performing Olympic elements in vault and floor exercise. He’s truly the king of men’s artistic gymnastics in Nigeria,” Erhumwunse said.
“Apochi was absolutely sensational. Her performance at the Gateway Games proved she has what it takes to lead the women’s team to the Olympics.”
The NGF, under the leadership of President Prince Ehizogie Kelvin Erhumwunse, is now focused on exposing both athletes to international championships — including World Cups and continental games — to build their experience and accumulate qualification scores ahead of the All-Africa Games, Commonwealth Games, and ultimately, the Olympics.
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Erhumwunse added that for the first time, the NGF streamed all gymnastics events live during the National Sports Festival, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity and the breaking of several records.
“It was a mind-blowing experience,” he said. “We’ve made the decision to push Obong-Etim and Apochi to the forefront of the senior national team. The plan is to fully prepare them with world-class exposure so they’re ready for Los Angeles 2028.”
He also noted that the NGF’s grassroots development program continues to yield results, with a number of new talents identified during the festival. Some of these emerging gymnasts are set to represent Nigeria in three major disciplines in upcoming international meets.
The NGF, according to its president, is determined to make gymnastics one of Nigeria’s top-performing sports by 2028.