Adegbesan to review Ikpeme’s book

...As Garba recalls historic 2013 Eaglets triumph

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

Renowned sports psychologist Professor Olufemi Adegbesan will today review a new book authored by sports administrator Dr. Emmanuel Edem Ikpeme during its public presentation at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The event, scheduled to begin at noon, is expected to attract sports administrators, academics and stakeholders from across the country.

Adegbesan, a respected figure in sports psychology and education, brings a wealth of experience to the role. The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Ibadan is also an adjunct professor at the Pan African University and currently serves as the national president of the Sport Psychology Association of Nigeria.

His contributions to sports development include involvement in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 sports framework and the design of a postgraduate sports management curriculum in Zambia.

Ahead of the launch, former Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba paid glowing tribute to Ikpeme, describing him as “an amazing psychologist, hardworking and straightforward man” as well as “a detribalised and complete Nigerian.”

Garba highlighted Ikpeme’s significant role in securing the support of the Cross River State Government for the Golden Eaglets’ preparations ahead of the 2013 CAF U-17 qualifiers and FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign.

According to the veteran coach, the backing enabled the team to camp in Calabar and adequately prepare for crucial qualifying matches against Niger, Guinea and Mali.

The coach said the support contributed immensely to the team’s eventual success, which culminated in Nigeria winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

The Golden Eaglets set a tournament record by scoring 25 goals in seven matches while conceding only four en route to lifting the trophy.

Garba attributed the achievement to the strong working relationship among the technical and administrative crew.

He praised key members of the backroom staff, including assistant coaches Emmanuel Amuneke and Nduka Ugbade, goalkeeping coach Emeka Amadi, team doctor Deji Olarinoye, physiotherapist, team secretary Tayo Egbaiyelo, media officer Morakinyo Abodunrin and team coordinator Suleiman Abubakar, alongside captain Musa Muhammad and his teammates.

He also acknowledged the role played by the then Nigeria Football Federation board led by Aminu Maigari, noting that prompt payment of players’ bonuses helped maintain morale throughout the campaign.

Garba, however, recalled that a promise of houses made to the victorious squad by the Cross River State Government under former governor Senator Liyel Imoke remains unfulfilled more than a decade later.

The former youth national team coach said documenting such experiences through books written by sports administrators is important, as it preserves valuable lessons and records for future generations while helping Nigeria safeguard its sporting heritage.

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