By Olamide Abe
Nigeria’s growing influence in global athletics has received another boost with two additional coaches joining the Saudi Arabia athletics development programme led by Enefiok Udo-Obong, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The two-time Olympic medallist, who was appointed Technical Advisor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s athletics development programme in 2024, now oversees an expanding Nigerian contingent within the Middle Eastern project.
In a statement from The Athletic Heat confirmed to PUNCH Sports Extra by Enefiok on Monday, coaches David Sule and Paul Kevwe were announced as the latest additions to the Saudi training team, where they will contribute to the development of young athletes and help build a long-term performance structure.
“Nigeria’s coaching influence continues to expand globally as two more coaches join the Saudi Arabia athletics development project,” the statement read.
“Newest additions, Coach David Sule and Coach Paul Kevwe, have officially linked up with the Saudi training team, contributing to the development of young athletes and a strong long term performance structure.”
The duo join an already established Nigerian coaching group under Udo-Obong’s leadership, further strengthening the technical base of the programme.
The current Nigerian presence within the setup now stands at six coaches, including Sule, Kevwe, Endurance Ojokolo, Gloria Ibeh-Odeka, Pat Maduagwu and Lateef Obisesan, underlining the country’s expanding role in shaping international athletics development.
The development highlights Nigeria’s depth in technical expertise, with its coaches increasingly sought after in global high-performance environments.
At the centre of the project is Udo-Obong, whose experience as Nigeria’s only male two-time Olympic medallist has been pivotal in driving a long-term vision aimed at elevating Saudi Arabia’s athletics on the global stage.
He is supported by Gloria Ibeh-Odeka, widely regarded for her work in developing raw talents into elite competitors, and Endurance Ojokolo, a former Olympic finalist and African champion whose transition into coaching has brought valuable experience in athlete management and mentorship.
Together, the trio provide a blend of vision, development and performance, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing footprint in international athletics systems.
Speaking in an earlier interview with PUNCH in July 2024, Udo-Obong outlined how the role could benefit Nigerian athletics, particularly Lagos, where he previously served in a technical role.
“Whatever development plan I have, I will always have Lagos at the back of my mind and I had told them in Saudi during my interview that we will be having partnerships with Nigeria,” he said.
“The truth is that there is a divide because over time, while we tried to offer the best advice on how our athletics can grow, we are neglected and aren’t taken seriously.
“But in Lagos, it is different because anything I brought up, the board usually accepted and tried it out to see the result. The appointment in Saudi Arabia will give me the flexibility and the freedom to have my ideas and, of course without issues of budgeting.”
