The Nigerian athletics community is in mourning following the death of Harrison Momoh, a former national athletics coach who passed away last Saturday in Ilorin, Kwara State. Momoh, who retired from coaching 15 years ago, was 83 years old. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from top athletes, officials, and stakeholders who remember him as a dedicated mentor, a pioneer of Nigerian athletics, and a selfless individual who devoted his life to the sport.
A Life Dedicated to Athletics
Harrison Momoh’s impact on Nigerian athletics cannot be overstated. During his illustrious career, he discovered and groomed some of Nigeria’s most elite athletes, many of whom went on to achieve greatness on the international stage. Momoh’s coaching career spanned several decades, during which he led the Nigerian team at prestigious events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and African Games. His contributions helped shape the golden era of Nigerian track and field, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Among the Olympians he nurtured are the late Sunday Bada, Olapade Adenekan, Olu Sule, Taiwo and Kehinde Aladefa, Omotayo and Omolade Akinremi, Bisi Afolabi, Airat Bakare, Angela Atede, and Saidat Onauga. These athletes, under Momoh’s guidance, brought glory to Nigeria and inspired future generations of track and field stars.
Tributes from the Athletics Fraternity
The news of Momoh’s passing was first shared by former African Games 100m hurdles champion Taiwo Aladefa in a WhatsApp message to an athletics group chat. “Just to let you know my coach, Coach Harrison Momoh, passed on to Glory a few minutes ago! May his gentle, sweet, and selfless spirit rest in peace!” she wrote.
Kehinde Aladefa, another athlete mentored by Momoh, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late coach. “His selflessness was unmatched. His work ethic was tireless. His confidence, unwavering,” she said. “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.”
Kehinde added, “Coach Momoh 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.”
Athletics Federation of Nigeria Mourns a Legend
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has also expressed its sorrow over Momoh’s passing. AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa described the late coach as a true friend and a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his life to the development of athletics.
“I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Harrison Momoh,” Okowa 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 Nigerian athletics by giving his time and resources to the sport we all love.”
Okowa added, “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.”
Visits from Prominent Figures
Following the news of Momoh’s death, several prominent figures in Nigerian sports visited his family to pay their respects. Among them were Hammed Adio, former captain of the Nigeria Olympic team in the eighties and a renowned sports analyst; Bola Adisa, the current Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission; and Mallam Tunde Kazeem, former Director of Sports and current Technical Director of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.
Kayode Afolabi, Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Athletics Association, and other members of the track and field community also visited the family to honor the late coach. Their presence underscored the deep respect and admiration Momoh commanded within the sports community.
A Legacy That Lives On
Harrison Momoh’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements as a coach. He was a mentor, a father figure, and a source of inspiration for countless athletes and coaches. His dedication to the sport, his unwavering commitment to excellence, and his selfless nature have left an enduring impact on Nigerian athletics.
As the athletics community mourns his passing, they also celebrate his life and the countless contributions he made to the sport. Momoh’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches, ensuring that his spirit lives on in every race run and every competition faced.
Final Farewell
Harrison Momoh, a highly disciplined and respected trainer, hailed from Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. As the athletics fraternity bids farewell to this legendary figure, they do so with gratitude for his immense contributions and with the hope that his legacy will continue to inspire greatness in Nigerian sports.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
