Galadima, a veteran administrator who headed the Electoral Committee that supervised the election in Asaba in which International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Gumel edged rival Sani Ndanusa by 19 votes to 17, wants the NOC to become less Government-influenced.

"They have a lot of work to do, more so as the NOC is yet to stand on its feet since its inception," he warned.

"And I have been saying this for more than 30 years now, I was vice-president in 1985.

"The NOC is still occupying the office owned by the National Sports Commission; they have not been able get an office of their own."

He also challenged the new leadership to undertake a review of the NOC statutes and bring it in line with modern realities, a similar demand ones also given to the Nigerian Football Federation leadership following problems they have faced in recent weeks.

Independence from Government has been a key theme stressed by Habu Gumels IOC colleagues in recent times, including by IOC President Thomas Bach and ANOC head Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah ©Getty Images



This comes at a time when the Olympic Movement is keen to increase the autonomy of NOCs, with Gambia and Egypt other African nations that have faced challenges to ensure independence in 2014. 

But, in the case of Nigeria, Galadima also praised the way the elections had been conducted, and recommended the "transparent elections for sports federations" as a solution to the problems he had highlighted.

Praise for Gumel's election has also come from Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa President Lasana Palenfo.

"I am particularly glad to congratulate you for your brilliant and successful election," said the Ivorian.

"This is outstanding news for the future of your organisation in particular and the African Olympic Movement in general.

"Your election is a demonstration of all your drawing power that makes your leadership so widely recognised and appreciated."

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