Coach Olalekan Adebote has been elected the president of the Athletics Coaches Association of Nigeria (ACAN).
In an election that took place virtually, Adebote, popularly called D’Victors pooled 51 votes across the various coaches in the country as he defeated Coach Michael Monyei, an ex-international, who got 31 votes.
The vice president position was won by US-based coach Pat Itanyi, who was the only candidate for the position with 76 coaches giving her their yes while six returned no as their answer to her becoming the VP.
Adebote will now take over from the current board member of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and current National Team coach, Solomon Aliyu, who tenure has expired.
Speaking after the election, Adebote congratulated all the candidates, both the new executive and those that lost out while also calling for unity among all the coaches.
“I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful for the confidence you have placed in me by electing me as the President of the Athletics Coaches Association of Nigeria (ACAN),” he said.
“This victory is not mine alone — it belongs to every coach who believes in the growth of our profession, the development of our athletes, and the unity of our association.
“I would also like to warmly congratulate all other executives who were elected. I look forward to working closely with you as we collectively move our association forward.
“As we move forward, I want to emphasize that the election is over and the real work now begins. This is the moment for all coaches across every state and region to stand together in unity as one family with a shared vision for the advancement of athletics in Nigeria.
“Our leadership will focus on strengthening the voice of coaches, creating more opportunities for athletes, and building a stronger and more respected ACAN.”
