The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) has unveiled a 44 member coaching and technical team across its various disciplines as part of a strategic move to strengthen the national teams and begin early preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The appointments, announced in a statement signed by the federation’s Technical Director, Rose Verisimo, cover Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), Aerobics, Trampoline, Double Mini Trampoline (DMT), Tumbling, Parkour, Acrobatics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Gymnastics for All.

For the senior artistic teams, Isaiah Oni Erhunwunse (OLY) takes charge of the men's side, assisted by Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi, while Helen Albert heads the women's team alongside Edem Umor Patric and Emmanuel Enejo. 

The junior MAG team will be led by Kennedy Osawaro, with Jimoh Wasiu and Jimoh Azeez as assistants, while Abosede Olatundun Oladele heads the junior WAG team, assisted by Deborah Ajiboye and Noel Egbunu. Edina Ahue and Michael Ocheke will lead the senior and junior Aerobics teams respectively.

GFN President, Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse, said the appointments were based on merit, commitment and proven records in the various gymnastics disciplines, stressing that the federation is determined to build a stronger technical foundation for Nigeria's international ambitions.

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

Erhunwunse said the federation's immediate priority is to develop athletes capable of winning medals at continental and global championships, while building a formidable team for Los Angeles 2028.

 “Preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics begins now, and we are putting the right technical crew in place to achieve this vision,” he added. 

He also charged the coaches to approach their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism, teamwork and a strong sense of patriotism as they work towards producing the next generation of Nigerian gymnastics stars.

Beyond the major Olympic disciplines, the appointments also cover Trampoline, DMT and Tumbling, Parkour, Acrobatics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Gymnastics for All, while Rose Verisimo retains responsibility as Technical Director. 

Otasowie Alexander Erhunwunse will serve as Gymnastics Developmental Director, with Dr Uwa Anthonia as Safeguard Officer and Mrs Mary Ibrahim as Anti-Doping Officer. The broad-based technical structure underlines the federation's intention to develop gymnastics at multiple levels and create a sustained pathway from grassroots development to international competition.