Joel Ajayi
The Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation of Nigeria has intensified its push for global relevance, exposing athletes to world-class equipment as it targets a major Olympic breakthrough
While speaking at the first ever National Time trials for Canoe sprint on Sunday in Abuja the Mr President of the federation, Akin Ogunbiyi, reaffirmed the body’s commitment to grassroots talent development and international success
He described the event as a strategic platform to identify, nurture, and select the country’s best athletes for global competitions, including the Olympic Games.
According to Ogunbiyi, the trials are deliberately structured to ensure inclusiveness, giving athletes from across the federation an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities.
“This is a time trial to ensure that no athlete is left out. We want to develop talent across the states and present only the best for international competitions,” he said.
He further revealed that the federation has, over the past 15 years, steadily worked to expand the sport across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the current initiative representing a renewed effort to deepen participation and raise awareness.
The competition features 200m, 500m, and 1000m races, with athletes vying for selection into national teams. Ogunbiyi assured participants of comprehensive support, including scholarships, access to modern facilities, and international training opportunities.
“We are prepared to support athletes with scholarships, international training, and the best facilities available. All they need to do is seize this opportunity,” he added.
He stressed that the federation’s ambition goes beyond participation on the global stage. “Our target is not just to attend international competitions but to win medals for Nigeria. That is the standard we have set,” he declared.
In her remarks, the Secretary-General, Olubumni Ola Oluode, described the trials as a landmark initiative designed to elevate Nigerian athletes to world-class standards.
She highlighted that, for the first time, competitors are using internationally certified fibreglass boats—equipment typically seen at global championships and the Olympics—made available through collaboration between the National Sports Commission and international partners.
“This is the first time athletes are being exposed to the same standard of boats used at international championships and the Olympics,” she noted.
About 70 athletes are currently participating, with more expected in subsequent rounds. Oluode added that top performers will advance to intensive training camps and benefit from structured international exposure programmes.
She also disclosed that standout athletes, including Isiaka Ibrahim and Ifeanyi Okechukwu, have secured training opportunities in Europe ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
The federation remains confident that sustained investment in modern equipment, transparent selection processes, and elite training pathways will position Nigeria not just to compete, but to contend strongly for Olympic medals.
