I first led a Gymnastics Coaching course in the capital, Abuja, Nigeria in 2013. They were quite disorganized at the time.
Returning in 2023 — this time to Benin City — I was astonished to see how much progress had been made.
In fact, Nigeria was the best organized of these camps I’ve had over dozens around the world.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Coaches from across the country traveled to Benin City, which built a world class facility 3 years ago. It’s in Edo State, by far the one most supportive of sport.
(NOT the country of Benin, formerly Dahomey, a small nation nearby.)
Busy, busy … I only got the chance to do a driving tour of Nigeria’s 4th largest metropolitan area. There is not much western tourism. Benin City has not got a great reputation.
I did not see any other pale human like myself, for a week. 😀
I stayed at a very good 3 star hotel, the Marriott Protea Hotel Benin City.
Mostly ate spicy Nigerian food. They love their food in Nigeria. Spicy.
This video gives a good feel of how this city feels on street level.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Rick McCharles 