BY OBI FRIDAY GABRIEL
Tony Asuquo, coach of Tony International Gymnastics (TIG) club, says he is optimistic that Nigeria will have more representation at future Olympics Games.
Asuquo said that following the performance of Nigerian gymnasts at the International Club championship in South Africa he believes the future is bright for the game in the country.
A total of 10 gymnasts who train with the TIG club based in Abuja, the Nigerian capital city, participated in the two-day event in South Africa, winning seven medals in the process.
Asuquo, who is the head coach and Founder of the club, said he was very impressed with the performance of the gymnasts.
“I am very happy with the performance of the team. They have really made us proud and have exhibited what they have learnt in their training.
“To compete among the best in South Africa with better facilities and win medals here, is amazing to see.
“This is not the first time our gymnasts are winning medals, but it is exciting to see that they keep raising the standards and I am proud of them.
“We are raising podium-finish gymnasts for the Olympics and in no distant time, Nigeria will be presenting many gymnasts at the Olympics,” Asuquo said.
Gymnasts Francisca Okpanku, Sofia Awah, Gbemisola Adebayo, Chinwendu Okpanku and Stephanie Onusiriuka all won gold in their various level system categories.
Esther Awah won the silver while Adeela Adedeji won the bronze medal.
Asuquo, however, added that the team would remain in South Africa for the next two weeks to make use of its training facilities.
The coach also thanked the parents of the gymnasts and the club for their “unwavering support to developing the talents of the kids”.
Meanwhile, Nigeria made her first ever appearance at the Olympics in gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with Uche Eke competing.