Chief (Amb.) Miebi Sampson Ogunu, a pioneer in Nigerian grassroots sports development, has revealed that he has discovered, nurtured and mentored over 100 athletes at local, national and international levels in the last 50 years.
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The veteran coach and administrator made the disclosure on Saturday in Yenagoa while briefing journalists ahead of activities lined up to celebrate his five decades of selfless service to sports development in Nigeria.
Chief Ogunu, a former Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) stalwart in the old Rivers State (now Rivers and Bayelsa), lamented the poor culture of documentation in Nigerian sports, saying the absence of proper record-keeping has made many of his contributions go unnoticed over the years.
“Many of the boys I raised from the streets are today graduates, masters degree holders and responsible citizens. Without that intervention through sports, most of them would have gone into negative vices,” he said.
Among the athletes he has mentored are former Bayelsa United player and current club chairman Ebiki Timitimi; present Bayelsa United Chairman Desire Wankwe; Belgium-based professional footballer Ebitimi Biniagba; veteran goalkeeper Akpan Bassey; ex-national team player Ekechukwu Ezinwa; and current Bayelsa United midfielder Wisdom Magbisa.
The celebrant disclosed that his talent hunt cut across football, wrestling, swimming, boxing and table tennis, with many discoveries made in rural communities in Brass and Southern Ijaw local government areas of Bayelsa State.
He recalled that after a remarkable outing at the Norwegian Cup during his YSFON days, then Bayelsa State Governor, Chief DSP Alameyeseigha, awarded scholarships to the young players, many of whom are now degree holders contributing positively to society.
Chairman of the organising committee, Hon. Uroh Kiani, described Chief Ogunu as a rare gem who deserves to be celebrated while alive for his immense contributions to sports development in the old Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The week-long celebration tagged “50 Years of Impactful Grassroots Sports Development in Nigeria” will commence on Monday, 8th December 2025 with a road walk and various indoor and outdoor games. A novelty football match, public lecture and recognition of stakeholders are scheduled for Thursday, 11th December 2025.
Distinguished personalities expected at the event include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, among others.
Comrade Loveday Herbert, in his goodwill message, commended Chief Ogunu for dedicating his life to talent discovery and youth development through sports, noting that his legacy has strengthened the sporting ecosystem in Bayelsa and beyond.
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