Ogba’s re-election as NOC Vice President excites Porbeni, others

‘It’s Good Towards Paris 2024 Olympics’
Former Nigerian jumper, hurdler and sprinter, Seigha Porbeni, has described the re-election of Chief Solomon Ogba as First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) in Thursday’s election held in Jalingo, Taraba State, as good for Nigerian sports, particularly in the build up to Paris 2024 Olympics Games.

Ogba, who is the President of Bobsled & Skeleton Federation, defeated Francis Orbih of the Badminton Federation with 24 votes to 16.

The election saw the incumbent NOC President, Habu Gumel, beat his challenger, Sani Ndanusa, a former Sports Minister, 21 to 19 votes.

Gumel first emerged as NOC President in 2001, and he served two consecutive terms until 2010 before returning again in 2014. He has now won another term in office.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Porbeni, who is the Head Coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), stated that Ogba’s re-election would go a long way in re-positioning the nation’s sports, particularly athletics, towards Paris 2024 Olympics Games.

“Ogba has so much passion for Nigerian sports, particularly athletics. That is why we call him the Igwe of Nigeria sports. His re-election as the Fist Vice President of the NOC is a good step in the right direction. No doubt, he oversees the Bobsled & Skeleton Federation, but Ogba has is doing so much for our athletics. His re-election will be a great benefit to us in the athletics family ahead the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris,” Porbeni stated.

Some sports analysts, who spoke on the NOC election yesterday, praise Ogba for his foresight in discovering and nurturing young athletes for the country.

The Guardian recalls that Ogba, a former President of the AFN, was an ex- Commissioner for sports in Delta State. He led Team Delta to win the National Sports Festival on three occasions at Bauchi 2000, Abuja 2004 and Gateway 2006.

He finished second at Edo 2002 edition of the fiesta. At the last Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England, Ogba played a key role in making sure Nigerian athletes and officials had a hitch free participation.