Chief (Amb.) Miebi Sampson Ogunu, a pioneer of grassroots sports development in Nigeria, says he has discovered, trained and mentored more than 100 athletes across local, national and international levels over the past 50 years.He made the revelation on Saturday in Yenagoa during a press briefing ahead of activities marking his five decades of contributions to sports development in the country.Ogunu, a former stalwart of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in the old Rivers State—now Rivers and Bayelsa—lamented the poor documentation culture in Nigerian sports. He said inadequate record-keeping has left many of his developmental strides unacknowledged.“
Many of the boys I raised from the streets are today graduates, master’s degree holders and responsible citizens,” he said. “Without intervention through sports, many of them may have fallen into negative vices.”
Among the athletes he mentored are former Bayelsa United player and current chairman, Ebiki Timitimi; current Bayelsa United Chairman Desire Wankwe; Belgium-based footballer Ebitimi Biniagba; veteran goalkeeper Akpan Bassey; former national team player Ekechukwu Ezinwa; and Bayelsa United midfielder Wisdom Magbisa.He noted that his talent-hunting efforts 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.Ogunu recalled a memorable outing at the Norwegian Cup during his YSFON days, after which then Bayelsa State Governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, awarded scholarships to several young players. Many of those beneficiaries, he said, are now professionals contributing positively to society.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Hon. Uroh Kiani, described Ogunu as a rare gem whose contributions to sports development in the old Rivers State and Nigeria deserve celebration.The week-long event, tagged “50 Years of Impactful Grassroots Sports Development in Nigeria,” will kick off on Monday, 8 December 2025, with a road walk and various indoor and outdoor sporting activities. A novelty football match, public lecture and recognition awards are scheduled for Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Dignitaries 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, and Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere.In a goodwill message, Comrade Loveday Herbert commended Chief Ogunu for dedicating his life to talent discovery and youth empowerment through sports, noting that his legacy continues to strengthen the sporting ecosystem in Bayelsa State and beyond.
