One of Nigeria’s best known athletics coach Harrison Momoh has died at 83.
Coach Momoh died at his residence in Ilorin, Kwara State early Saturday morning due to the illness he has been battling since December. 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.
Some of the athletes he groomed include Olympians late Sunday Bada, Olapade Adenekan, Olu Sule, Taiwo and Keinde Aladefa, Omotayo and Omolade Akinremi, Bisi Afolabi, Airat Bakare, Angela Atede, Saidat Onauga and many others.
Momoh retired from coaching 15 years ago and had lived without his pension from the Kwara State Sports Council where he worked nor did the Nigerian sports authorities checked on his welfare after so many years of hard to bring glory to the country.
“It’s devasting to hear coach Momoh has passed on, but it is well,” said former 100m hurdler Taiwo Aladefa.
“May his gentle sweet selfless spirit rest in peace!”
Also commenting on coach Momoh’s passing Kehinde Aladefa added.
“His selflessness was unmatched. His work ethic was tireless. His confidence, unwavering. He left an impression on everyone he encountered, and his name is etched in the history of Nigerian track and field. Coaches across the world respected his mind, admired his insight, and sought his wisdom. His impact transcended borders, generations, and disciplines.
“Coach Momah was more than a mentor , he was a father figure, a beacon of hope, and a man who gave his all to the sport and the people he loved. To say we will miss him is an understatement; we will carry his lessons, his spirit, and his legacy in every race we run, in every competition we face, and in every life we touch, just as he touched ours.”
