Adegbesan to Review Ikpeme’s New Book as Manu Garba Hails Sports Administrator’s Legacy

Renowned sports psychologist, Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, is set to review a new book authored by respected sports administrator, Dr. Emmanuel Edem Ikpeme, during its public presentation today at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The event, which begins at noon, is expected to draw sports administrators, academics, policymakers, and other key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s sporting community.

Professor Adegbesan, a leading authority in sports psychology and education, brings extensive experience to the role. The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Ibadan, he also serves as an adjunct professor at Pan African University and is the current National President of the Sport Psychology Association of Nigeria.

His contributions to sports development extend beyond Nigeria, including participation in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 sports framework and the development of a postgraduate sports management curriculum for institutions in Zambia.

Ahead of the book launch, former Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba paid glowing tribute to Dr. Ikpeme, describing him as an exceptional professional whose dedication and patriotism have left a lasting impact on Nigerian football.

“Dr. Ikpeme is an amazing psychologist, hardworking and straightforward man. He is also a detribalised and complete Nigerian,” Garba said.

The veteran coach recalled Ikpeme’s instrumental role in securing the support of the Cross River State Government for the Golden Eaglets’ preparations ahead of the 2013 CAF U-17 qualifiers and FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign.

According to Garba, the government’s backing enabled the team to establish a training camp in Calabar, where they adequately prepared for crucial qualification matches against Niger, Guinea, and Mali.

He noted that the support played a significant role in the team’s historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where Nigeria lifted the trophy after an impressive campaign.

The Golden Eaglets set a tournament record by scoring 25 goals in seven matches while conceding only four, a feat Garba attributed to the strong synergy among the technical and administrative staff.

He commended members of the backroom team, including assistant coaches Emmanuel Amuneke and Nduka Ugbade, goalkeeping coach Emeka Amadi, team doctor Deji Olarinoye, physiotherapist, team secretary Tayo Egbaiyelo, media officer Morakinyo Abodunrin, and team coordinator Suleiman Abubakar. He also praised captain Musa Muhammad and his teammates for their commitment and discipline throughout the competition.

Garba further acknowledged the support of the then Nigeria Football Federation board led by Aminu Maigari, noting that the prompt payment of players’ bonuses helped sustain morale and focus during the campaign.

However, he lamented that the promise of houses made to the victorious squad by the Cross River State Government under former Governor Senator Liyel Imoke remains unfulfilled more than a decade after the team’s success.

The former youth national team coach emphasized the importance of sports administrators documenting their experiences through books, noting that such publications preserve valuable lessons, promote institutional memory, and help safeguard Nigeria’s rich sporting heritage for future generations.