By Amaechi Agbo
President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, has congratulated Oyedeji on the landmark achievement as Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association (WOA) describing the feat as a proud moment for Nigerian sports and a reflection of the country’s growing stature in international sports governance.
Oyedeji emerged victorious in a keenly contested virtual General Assembly held on Sunday, winning decisively on the first ballot with 55 votes.
He defeated Salvador Salguero of El Salvador, who polled 32 votes, and Liston Brochette of Puerto Rico, who garnered 19 votes. In total, more than 107 delegates representing National Olympians Associations (NOAs) from across the world participated in the election.
In a statement released by NOC Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, Gumel praised Oyedeji’s leadership qualities and commitment to athlete development, noting that his election further elevates Nigeria’s standing within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ecosystem.
The World Olympians Association is a highly respected body operating under the IOC and represents Olympians worldwide.
Notably, it is the same constituency that recently produced the newly elected IOC President, Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first African and first woman to lead the IOC.
Coventry’s historic election as IOC President in 2025 has already opened new doors for African representation, a trend further underscored by the recent nomination of Nigerian table tennis icon Funke Oshonaike to the IOC Athletes Commission.
Similarly, the President of International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Africa Zone 3, Retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu on behalf of the board, have congratulated Oyedeji on his election, describing it as a historic milestone for Nigeria and Africa.
Ahmedu noted that Oyedeji’s emergence as the first African to hold the influential position reflects the continent’s growing relevance and credibility in international sports governance.
“Oyedeji’s election is a testament to his years of service to sport and his unwavering commitment to athlete development and welfare,” Ahmedu said, adding that Africa now has a stronger platform in shaping global Olympic policies.
Oyedeji won the keenly contested election after polling 55 of the 106 valid votes cast, representing 51.89 per cent, ahead of Salvador Salguero of El Salvador and Liston Bochette of Puerto Rico.
He succeeds Anthony Ledgard (OLY) of Peru and will serve a four-year term on the WOA Board.
Currently, Oyedeji serves as President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) and third Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), roles that have positioned him as a key figure in Nigerian and African sports leadership.
He is also Vice Chairman of the FIBA Africa Zone Three Development Council.
Reacting to his election, Oyedeji pledged to lead with integrity, transparency and inclusiveness, while strengthening collaboration between the WOA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to better serve Olympians worldwide.
A former NBA player, Oyedeji was drafted 42nd overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2000 NBA Draft and enjoyed a distinguished playing career.
He also captained Nigeria’s D’Tigers, leading the national team to notable continental successes and earning respect as both a player and leader.
With Oyedeji’s election, Nigeria not only celebrates an individual achievement but also strengthens its voice in shaping policies that affect athletes worldwide, reinforcing the nation’s role as a key stakeholder in the future of the Olympic Movement.
