By Our Correspondent
The future of gymnastics in Nigeria remains uncertain as stakeholders decry inadequate funding, poor sponsorship, and limited competition opportunities despite the abundance of young talents across the country.
These concerns came to the fore during the recent inter-school and club gymnastics competition organised by MayRock Gymnastics Club in Lagos, where athletes, coaches, and parents highlighted the challenges confronting the sport.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of MayRock Gymnastics Club and National Aerobic Gymnastics Coach, Michael Ocheke, described funding as the biggest obstacle to the development of gymnastics in Nigeria.
According to him, sports outside football continue to struggle for attention and investment, making it difficult for clubs to sustain training programmes and competitions.
“In Nigeria, sports that aren’t football always face challenges. Many people see gymnastics as an expensive sport, so getting sponsorship is difficult. Most of the burden falls on private clubs and parents,” Ocheke said.
He noted that organising competitions requires significant financial resources, with venue rentals and logistics costing millions of naira.
“Training is for competing. Without regular competitions, athletes lose motivation and opportunities to develop. We need more support from both government and private organisations to keep the sport growing,” he added.
Nigeria’s leading gymnast and national team captain, Etimen Obong, also lamented the lack of support for athletes, saying the current generation faces fewer opportunities than those before them.
Obong noted that previous generations enjoyed greater exposure through frequent competitions and international engagements, opportunities that are now becoming increasingly scarce.
“They are stifling the kids’ dreams, and it’s not encouraging at all. Nigerian gymnastics isn’t getting the support it needs. There is no sponsorship and very little support structure for young athletes,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the gymnast expressed determination to continue training and pursuing his ambition of representing Nigeria on the global stage.
He stressed the need for improved facilities, medical support, and international exposure to enable talented athletes reach their full potential.
Parents at the event also called for increased awareness and government involvement in the sport.
Representing Kofunjo Dance and Gymnastics Club, Ashley challenged the perception that gymnastics is excessively dangerous, arguing that injuries can occur in any sport if proper safety measures are not observed.
She said many talented children may never have the opportunity to pursue gymnastics due to financial limitations.
“Talent doesn’t know about your parents’ pockets. That talented child might be in one of the most underdeveloped communities and may never get the chance to showcase his or her ability,” she said.
Ashley urged the government to adopt a more deliberate approach to sports development, similar to countries where gymnastics receives institutional support and grassroots investment.
Despite concerns over funding and infrastructure, the competition showcased impressive performances from young gymnasts, highlighting the vast potential available within the country.
MayRock Gymnastics Club emerged as the Best Overall Club, while St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, won the Best Overall School award.
Among the individual award winners were Oyindamola Popoola (Best Junior Girl), Great Ocheke (Best Junior Boy), Itorobong Uyimeabasi (Best Intermediate Girl), Wisdom Ocheke (Best Intermediate Boy and Overall Best Male Gymnast), Glory Innocent (Best Senior Girl), and Chizaram Nwabugwu of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who was named Overall Best Female Gymnast.
Stakeholders maintained that while Nigeria possesses the talent needed to compete at the highest levels, sustained investment, structured development programmes, and regular competitions remain critical to transforming young gymnasts into future international champions.
