Gumel, Mark Celebrate Olumide Oyedeji’s Historic WOA Election Victory

The President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, and prominent basketball promoter, Mr. Igoche Mark, have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Olumide Oyedeji, former captain of Nigeria’s D’Tigers, on his landmark election as Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association (WOA).

Oyedeji, who also serves as the 3rd Vice President of the NOC and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), secured the prestigious position in a resounding victory during a virtual General Assembly held on Sunday. He triumphed in the first ballot with 55 votes, comfortably surpassing his closest rivals, Salvador Salguero of El Salvador (32 votes) and Liston Brochette of Puerto Rico (19 votes). The election saw participation from over 107 delegates representing National Olympians Associations globally.

In a statement released yesterday by Tony Nezianya, the NOC’s Public Relations Officer, President Gumel highlighted the significance of Oyedeji’s achievement.

Igoche Mark described Oyedeji’s victory as a moment of immense pride for Nigerian sports. “Wow! What a proud moment for Nigeria,” Mark exclaimed. “I, Igoche Mark, extend my warmest congratulations to Olumide Oyedeji on his historic election as Secretary General of the World Olympians Association (WOA). To be the first African to hold this position is a testament to your dedication, passion, and leadership, Olumide.”

Mark further praised Oyedeji, stating, “As you take the helm of this esteemed office, I have no doubt that you will make Nigeria proud. Your appointment is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. You have shown that with faith, focus, and determination, the sky is the limit!” He concluded by urging Oyedeji to “keep the Nigerian flag flying high,” adding,

“We are proud of you, and we will be cheering you on every step of the way. May your tenure be filled with success, growth, and triumph. Congratulations once again, Olumide! You have made us proud.”

Oyedeji will serve a four-year term on the WOA board alongside President Pernilla Wiberg of Sweden and Treasurer Wei-Tsu Thomas of Chinese Taipei. The WOA, a respected body under the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is the same constituency that recently saw Kirsty Coventry, the legendary Zimbabwean swimmer and two-time Olympic gold medallist, elected as the new IOC President in 2025.

Oyedeji’s ascent to this global role underscores Nigeria’s increasing influence within the International Olympic Committee. A former NBA star and captain of the Nigerian men’s basketball team, Oyedeji has been a long-standing advocate for athlete welfare. His election further solidifies a period of “African excellence” in sports governance, following Coventry’s historic election as the first female and first African President of the IOC. This momentum was also recently highlighted by the nomination of Nigerian table tennis star Funke Oshonaike to the Athletes Commission by IOC President Coventry.