Athletics Federation says goodnight to former national coach, Momoh

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is in grief over the passing of former national athletics coach Harrison Momoh.

Momoh, died in the early hours of Saturday, the 1st of March, in Ilorin, Kwara State, in North-Central, Nigeria.

AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, is leading the athletics fraternity in mourning Momoh.

“I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Harrison Momoh,” the AFN President said.

“To the athletics fraternity, Harrison Momoh who helped raise top athIetes in the past is not just a coach but a true friend and a very patriotic Nigerian.

“Through his knowledge, Momoh, set the pace for the development of Nigeria athletics by giving his time and resources to the sport we all love.”

Momoh discovered and groomed a good number of Nigerian elite athletes back in the golden era of Nigerian track and field; and at various times he coached the Nigerian team at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and African Games.

Momoh aged 83, retired from coaching 15 years ago.

“We shall always remember Harrison Momoh as a humble, patriotic, wise and passionate athletics enthusiast and a coach who dedicated his life to raising the standards of athIetics in Nigeria and sports in general.

“May God Almighty touch and sustain the bereaved family during this period of grief and may the soul of Harrison Momoh, rest in eternal peace,” said Okowa.

Full programme of his funeral will be communicated later by the family.

Some of the athletes he groomed include all these Olympians:

★ Late Sunday Bada

★ Olapade Adenekan

★ Olu Sule

★ Taiwo and Kehinde Aladefa

★ Omotayo and Omolade Akinremi

★ Bisi Afolabi

★ Airat Bakare

★ Angela Atede

★ Saidat Onauga and many others