The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has pledged to put an end to the trend of Nigeria losing its brightest sports talents to foreign countries.
Speaking while hosting 14-year-old gymnastics prodigy Stephanie Ogechukwu Onusiriuka and her mother, Dikko unveiled plans to aggressively scout, nurture, and support grassroots talents to ensure they achieve their dreams under Nigeria’s banner.
Onusiriuka, hailed as Nigeria’s Simone Biles, has garnered global attention for her extraordinary achievements. Currently training at Leeds Gymnastics and a member of the UK Gymnastics Club, her talent has sparked interest from abroad, with her club keen to have her back. However, Dikko assured her family and Nigerians that she will remain an asset to the country.
“This one is our own,” Dikko declared. “We will do everything to keep her. We will invest in her so that we can authoritatively lay claim to her.” He humorously addressed her mother about the UK club’s insistence: “Why are they so keen on her returning? Do they want to poach her? This one is Nigeria’s future.”
Strategic Elite Support
Dikko announced that Onusiriuka will be accorded elite status within the Commission’s plans. “She will be part of our elite group. Even if she trains abroad, she will do so with our support and sponsorship. We will foot her bills. By 2026, she will feature in the Commonwealth Games, and by 2028, we are targeting her as a major medal prospect for the Olympics.”
The Commission plans to integrate Onusiriuka into its Adopt-an-Athlete program to leverage private sector support, mirroring the backing given to Olympic medalists like Ese Brume. Dikko emphasized the urgency of investing in her now, noting that the teenage years are critical for gymnasts to reach their peak.
“At 14, this is the beginning of her peak years in gymnastics. Simone Biles won her first Olympic gold at 19. By 2028, Stephanie will be 18, and we aim to see her on the Olympic podium.”
A Proven Champion
Onusiriuka has a decorated resume, including winning gold, silver, and bronze medals at the National Sports Festival in Edo at just 11 years old. She was also crowned the best gymnast at the National Youth Games in Delta 2023, clinching four gold medals. Her international accolades include two golds from the African Club Championships in South Africa in 2019 and 2022.
To ensure sustained progress, the Commission will assign a desk officer to monitor and support her development. Dikko concluded the meeting with a promise to act immediately: “From this moment, she is part of our elite plans. Let us get her details and find her something for Christmas.”
Stephanie Ogechukwu Onusiriuka, Nigeria’s golden girl in gymnastics, is set to become a cornerstone of the country’s sporting future as the Commission moves to ensure she brings home laurels for the nation.
