Athletics Mourns Prince Simon Ayuba, Coach Who Nurtured Young Talents in Gombe
The Nigerian athletics community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Prince Simon Ayuba, the Technical Director of Gombe Athletics Academy, whose dedication to coaching and developing young athletes earned him respect across the athletics fraternity.
Ayuba, who hailed from Bassa in Plateau State, was a committed athletics coach with several professional training certificates and experience across multiple disciplines, including sprints, hurdles, quarter-mile races, throws and jumps.
Throughout his coaching career, he played a significant role in nurturing young talents and leading teams to various youth competitions, as well as military games within and outside Nigeria.
One of his notable achievements came at the 2023 Youth Games in Delta State, where the Gombe Athletics Academy team defied expectations to win five medals while representing Gombe State under his guidance.
His ability to work across different athletics disciplines reflected his versatility and passion for the sport, while his commitment to grassroots development helped provide young athletes with opportunities to showcase their potential.
Beyond his technical knowledge, Ayuba was remembered by colleagues as a humble, hardworking and focused coach who gave his all to his profession.
Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, expressed sadness over his passing, praying for God’s blessings upon his soul and comfort for all those mourning him.
“So sad. May God bless his amiable soul and comfort all who now mourn his passing.”
Sports journalist with Radio Nigeria Network, Chinedum Ohanusi, also offered prayers for the departed coach, asking God to grant him eternal rest and strengthen those left behind.
“My heartfelt condolences, also goes to former Chairman, Gombe State Athletics Association, Alh. Shuaibu Gara Gombe.”
Another Journalist, Afolabi Gambari described Ayuba as “such a humble, hardworking and focused coach who gave his all,” while praying for God’s comfort for his family.
He extended his condolences to Ayuba’s family and former Chairman of the Gombe State Athletics Association, Alhaji Shuaibu Gara Gombe, who has also been affected by the painful loss.
Ayuba’s death represents a painful loss to Gombe athletics and the wider coaching community. His contribution to the development of young athletes, particularly through grassroots competitions and team representation, remains an important part of his legacy.
He leaves behind his wife and two children, as well as athletes, colleagues and friends who will remember him for his service, dedication and commitment to athletics.
Though his journey has come to an end, the impact of his work lives on in the athletes he trained, the teams he led and the lives he touched throughout his coaching career.
