NFG, also called Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria is the professional governing body that is saddled to control and handle the sports of gymnastics in Nigeria.
A deepening leadership crisis has engulfed the Nigerian Federation Of Gymnastics (NFG), SaharaReporters has gathered.
This followed allegations of nepotism, unconstitutional tenure elongation, and election irregularities.
NFG, also called Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria is the professional governing body that is saddled to control and handle the sports of gymnastics in Nigeria.
Established in 1975, the body is affiliated to the International Federation of Gymnastics with the mission of "an all round development of gymnastics in Nigeria and beyond".
SaharaReporters gathered that the association has been under one Prince Kelvin Erhunmunse, for the past eight years.
His prolonged leadership, now entering a third term, has however sparked outrage among stakeholders.
A stakeholder who spoke to SaharaReporters accused Erhunmunse of running the federation like a "family business," alleging that his younger brother has serving as Technical Director for over 12 years.
"They have turned the Nigeria gymnastics federation into a family business for sure and this must not be allowed to continue. It's time for change," the source said.
"Under Kelvin's leadership, the NFG has reportedly failed to deliver on athlete development or international participation. Insiders claim the sport has witnessed minimal progress, with many talented gymnasts losing opportunities due to leadership negligence and lack of investment.
"These athletes train in difficult conditions on a daily basis, yet remain committed. Their dreams are being dimmed by selfish leadership," a senior board member added.
SaharaReporters learnt that the recent election of the association held in Gwarinpa, Abuja on Saturday, September 6, 2025 is now under intense scrutiny.
Sources said representatives of the National Sports Commission (NSC) were absent during the process.
"Absent from the election were representatives of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who advised postponement, a directive that was ignored by him.
"I had expected the Sports Commission DG to be present and actively participate in today's proceedings," said a member of the association, expressing disappointment over the breach.
The National Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports, and Dance (NAPHER-SD), a critical stakeholder in Nigerian sports development, has publicly condemned the process.
Speaking to journalists, NAPHER-SD's representative, Gbenga Samson, decried the exclusion of key bodies such as "NAPHER-SD, NAWIS, and paramilitary sports organizations."
He called for an urgent review of the electoral process, urging the NSC and other authorities to step in and restore transparency and inclusivity.
Multiple petitions have been submitted to the NSC alleging procedural breaches and violations of the NFG Statute.
"Stakeholders from Ogun and Ondo states, among others, reported being disenfranchised, despite clear guidelines issued by the Ministry of Sports.
"Our duty is greater than titles and offices. It is to nurture talent and create opportunities. This leadership has failed in that responsibility," the board member affirmed.
He added, "We're demanding a new direction rooted in professionalism, fairness, and genuine concern for athletes' welfare.
"If we do not lend our voices today, we risk losing a generation of gymnasts tomorrow. The leadership should not be about tenure longevity but about service, vision, and commitment to the growth of Nigerian gymnastics.
"The future of gymnastics in Nigeria now hangs in the balance. With the multiple petitions and mounting pressure from stakeholders, all eyes are on the National Sports Commission and relevant authorities to address the growing unrest.
"For now, the NFG remains at a crossroads, one path leads to continued stagnation, the other to reform and revival. Whether those in power will heed the call for change remains to be seen."
Meanwhile, Erhunmunse insisted his election as the association's President for the third term was peaceful and transparent.
"Delegates from 32 states, including the FCT, voted under the watch of representatives from the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other observers," he said.