Nigerian journalists have called on the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, to include foremost Nigerian gymnastics coach, Anthony Asuquo in the list of names penciled down for recognition by President Muhammed Buhari.
The Nigerian President on Thursday at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa will receive and host Nigerian athletes to the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and others who represented the country at other international events but Asuquo will not be there.
Some journalists who are based in the nation’s capital however have expressed dismay over Asuquo’s omisssion saying he deserves national recognition.
Head of Sports for ITV Abuja and Radio, Tolulope Oguntimehin, said the gymnastics coach’s contribution to the development of sports in Nigeria cannot be swept under the carpet
He said, “He has contributed immensely to the growth of the sports and has done more for gymnastics than the federation.
A reporter with Aljazira Newspaper, Joel Ajayi, said Asuquo deserves some accolades and his name should be among those that will receive “presidential handshake” from Mr President
“It is really sad that his name was omitted and I think the Minister needs to do something fast about this.”
“I am really shocked that he (Asuquo) was not included. This is really disheartening that Tony’s name will be missing from the list. He needs to be recognized for his contribution to the sports. He has done more for gymnastics than the gymnastics federation,” Sylvester Ofekun, Head of Sports for Kiss FM Abuja, said.
TlAsuquo, the only coach in Nigeria certified by FIG (Federation of International Gymnastics) in Aerobic and Artistic gymnastics and one of the most qualified in the country, has produced athletes who have gone ahead to make Nigeria proud in many international competitions.
The coach has most times been overlooked in national team appointments or recognitions despite the amount of effort he has put in at the grassroots to turn around the fortune of gymnastics in the country.
Some of the athletes produced by the coach and who have gone ahead to represent their states and Nigeria at National Sports Festivals, African Youth Game and Africa Club Championship in South Africa are Uche Eke, the first Nigerian gymnast to ever compete at the Olympics (Tokyo 2020) and kid sensation, Stephanie Onisiruka, who is currently the number one female gymnast in the country, Gabriella Asemota, who represented Nigeria at African Youth Games in Algeria and also Iveren Hagher.
Among other notable athletes who have passed through Coach Asuquo’s tutelage include Tomisin Babatunde (Akwa Ibom), Ekezie Emeka (Delta), Josh Aliyu, Jessica Anne, Goodnews Kings and
Michael Kings all from Katsina State.
His Tony International Gymnastics (TIG) has been a voice for Nigerian gymnastics on the international scene by consistently competing in International club championships in South Africa, Singapore, USA and Seychelles, winning medals for Nigeria.