Nigerians optimistic as African gymnastics tourney begins in Pretoria
Nigeria’s 17 representatives at the African Level 16 Junior Gymnastics Championships holding at the High Performance Center, Pretoria, South Africa, are optimistic of a good outing at the event, which begins today.
The Nigerian gymnasts, led by the country’s first and only gymnastics coach to be certified by the world gymnastics body, Tony Asuquo, are already in Pretoria for the one-week championship.
Among the disciplines listed for the championships are aerobic gymnastics; rhythmic gymnastics; trampoline; double mini trampoline and tumbling. The Level 1 to 5 aerobic gymnastics will start today, while higher lever rhythmic gymnastics will hold tomorrow.
Team Nigeria officials said yesterday that the country’s contingent to the event were training hard to perfect their skills for a great podium finish at the prestigious African gymnastics championships despite the apathy of the sports ministry and the Nigeria Gymnastics Federation to the team.
Coach Tony Asuquo believes government should invest in gymnastics as a means of taking kids off the streets, adding, “gymnastics alone can fetch the nation 22 medals in a single competition so government should look at that direction.”
In Team Nigeria’s contingent to the African Junior Level 16 Championships Azeemah Shehu (nine years old and competing at level 5), Daniella Uzuegbu (10 years old and competing at level 5), Adannaya Nzerem (13 years old and competing at level 5), Arianna Gbemudo (eight years old and competing at level 5), Withney Confie Spiff (10 years old and competing at level 5), Tara D. (eight years old and competing at level 5) and Prince Oluwaseun Adeoye (20), who is competing at level eight.
Others in the team are Emeka Ekezie (16 years old, competing at level 6), Hariz Shehu (eight years old, competing at level 5)
Adi Asaad (seven years old, competing at level 1), Osemota Gabrielle (12 years old, competing at level 2), and Osemota Daniella (10 years, competing at level 1).
Eight-year-old Ajayi Odelia will feature in level 2, Osemota Amaka (7) will compete at level 1, Aghogho Efeoghene (11) will compete at level 1, Ekpe Heneh Joan (7) will vie for honours at level 1, while 21-year-old Okinbobore patience will compete at level 4.
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