Centurion: Nigerian gymnasts have excelled at the Centurion Gymnastics Centre Club Competition in South Africa, with NLNG RA Gymnastics Club emerging as the country’s standout team.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the championship, held in Centurion, Pretoria from Aug. 15 to 16, featured no fewer than 250 gymnasts from clubs across South Africa and Uganda. Participating clubs included Klerksdorp, Centurion, Tuks, Visions, Paragon, Bloemfontein, Jacobsdal, and others. Nigeria was represented by NLNG RA Gymnastics Club and TIG International Gymnastics Club. Both teams showcased exceptional talent and discipline during the competition.
NLNG RA Gymnastics Club, however, stood out with a strong and spirited performance. Oluwapelumi Ilesanmi of NLNG RA won a gold medal, describing her victory as a dream come true. She expressed her joy and surprise upon hearing her name announced. She extended her gratitude to her coaches, teammates, and especially her mother for their support and encouragement. Nnenna Ahube, coordinator of the RA Gymnastics Club, praised the gymnasts for exceeding expectations. She highlighted the hard work and focus the gymnasts maintained throughout the competition and expressed gratitude to parents and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) for their support, emphasizing its crucial role in the team’s success.
NAN reports that TIG International Gymnastics Club also posted strong results at the event. The club won two gold, five silver, and one bronze medal. Gold medals were won by Angela Marinoni and Dida David, while senior gymnast Chenille Okpanku claimed five silver medals in different apparatus and finished second overall in her category. Jochbed Ibrahim added a bronze medal to complete TIG’s podium finish. Coach Tony Asuquo of TIG praised the Nigerian athletes for their resilience and highlighted the untapped talent in Nigeria, calling for better funding, training facilities, and exposure for young gymnasts.
Nigeria’s strong showing at the Centurion competition reflects growing progress in grassroots gymnastics development. The event is one of the largest youth gymnastics meets in Southern Africa, offering young athletes international exposure and competitive experience. Officials say more investment will help Nigeria produce world-class gymnasts, with ongoing efforts to prepare gymnasts for events like the African Games and Olympics.