Gumel was defeated four years ago by Ndanusa in controversial circumstances in which the election was rerun after initially not being recognised by the IOC.

But he gained narrow revenge this time around, polling 19 votes to Ndanusa's 17. 

"I am humbled by your demonstration of love and solidarity,'' the victor told delegates afterwards.

''I am going to need the every member of the Olympic Family to re-build our Committee.''

Habu Gumel (centre) has regained his position as President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee following fiercely contested elections ©Facebook

Gumel, 65, is one of the West African countries most experienced administrators, being a former director of facilities at the National Sports Commission, who remains President of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation.

He is also treasurer of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and an Executive Committee member of the International Volleyball Federation.

Earlier this year he was appointed to three IOC Commissions, including the Coordination Commission for Tokyo 2020.

He has promised to utilise his international contacts by attracting scholarship for athletes as Nigeria, traditionally one of the best performing African nations, seeks to build on the disappointment of winning no medals at London 2012.

Improving upon the disappointing London 2012 performance at Rio 2016 will be an immediate aim for the new President ©Getty Images




There was an even tighter contest for secretary general, with incumbent Tunde Popoola edging out Banji Oladapo by a single vote, 17 to 16.

Bappa Misau was appointed treasurer, also by just one vote to upstage Tunde Makanjuola, while Jonny Hamakin and Tony Ubani returned to the respective positions of deputy secretary general and public relations manager.

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