The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former national athletics coach, Harrison Momoh.
Momoh passed away in the early hours of Saturday, March 1st, in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the age of 83.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has led the athletics community in mourning the loss of the esteemed coach.
“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 athletes 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.
He retired from coaching 15 years ago after grooming a generation of Nigerian athletes including the likes of 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.
“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 athletics 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.
