By Destiny Jemiriayegbe
It’s said that the golden fish has no hiding place. For the students of the National Institute for Sports, a birthday is more than cake and wishes. Today, it’s an opportunity to pause and honor the man they say has changed how they think about sports and the different games.
Students of the Basic Coaching Course, BCC, and the Athletes Development Centre, ADC, 2026 (July /September set) are celebrating Mr. Attakhiru Abdulganiyu O., their Sports Psychology Lecturer, on the occasion of his birthday.
In tributes shared by the cohort, they described him as intelligent, dedicated, and inspiring — qualities that have come through not just in the classroom, but in the way he mentors young coaches and athletes preparing for the demands of competitive sport.
Teaching beyond the textbook
Sports psychology is often called the invisible side of performance. It’s about discipline when no one is watching. Confidence before a big match. Leadership in a losing moment. Mental resilience when the body wants to quit.
That, students say, is exactly where Mr. Attakhiru has made his mark.
“Your lectures have not only enriched our understanding of sports psychology but have also strengthened our confidence, discipline, leadership, and mental resilience,” the students noted in their birthday message.
For BCC and ADC students, many of whom will go on to coach national teams, manage athletes, or work in sports development, those lessons are foundational. The classroom discussions, they say, translate directly to the field, the bench, and the locker room.
A mentor to the ecosystem
Beyond teaching, the students highlighted his commitment to the broader Nigerian sports ecosystem. They praised his selfless service to the National Institute for Sports and his passion for developing the next generation of sports professionals.
“Your passion for teaching, commitment to excellence, and unwavering dedication to developing athletes, coaches, and future sports professionals continue to inspire us all,” the message read.
In an era where mental health and mindset are becoming central to athletic performance, lecturers like Mr. Attakhiru are helping shift the conversation in Nigeria — from just physical training to building complete athletes.
Wishes for the year ahead
As he marks another year, the students offered prayers for his continued impact.
“May Almighty Allah bless you with good health, long life, greater wisdom, abundant happiness, divine protection, and many more years of impactful service and outstanding achievements.”
The birthday celebration from NIS BCC and ADC students ends with a simple note: Congratulations and best wishes.
For a lecturer who teaches resilience, today the students are showing him some back — with gratitude.
The entire management and Editorial Staff of Weekenders Media Commercial Limited the Publishers of Weekenders magazine Celebrates an exceptional gentleman.