The Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation of Nigeria (RCSFN) has begun a two-day and first-ever trial for canoe sprint as part of an effort to make a desired impact on the global stage, as it also aimed to expose athletes to world-class equipment, setting its sights on a major Olympic breakthrough.
RCSFN President, Mr Akin Ogunbiyi, while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, described the event as a strategic avenue to identify, nurture and select the best athletes for Nigeria to feature in the Olympics and other global competitions.
Ogunbiyi, while reiterating the Federation’s commitment to grassroots talent development and international success, said the trials are deliberately structured to ensure inclusiveness, as well as giving the athletes across the country an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities.
He emphasised that the Federation’s ambition goes beyond just participation in global competitions but to win medals.
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Ogunbiyi said, “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. We are prepared to support athletes with scholarships, international training and the best facilities available.
“All they need to do is seize this opportunity. Our target is not just to attend international competitions but to win medals for Nigeria. That is the standard we have set.”
He added that the Federation, over the past 15 years, has steadily worked to expand the sport across the six geopolitical zones, saying the current initiative only represented a renewed effort to deepen participation and raise awareness.
The Secretary General of the Federation, Mrs Olubumni Ola Oluode, described the trials as a landmark initiative designed to elevate Nigerian athletes to world-class standards.
According to her, competitors for the first time 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,” Ola Oluode said.
She also revealed that standout athletes, including Ibrahim Isiaka Mohammed and Ifeanyi Okechukwu, have secured training opportunities in Europe ahead of the 2028 Olympics, saying top performers will advance to intensive training camps and benefit from structured international exposure programmes.
The competition, with about 70 athletes in attendance, featured competition in the 200m, 500m and 1000m races as athletes jostled for selection into the national team. The next Summer Olympics will be held from 14th to 30th July, 2028, in Los Angeles, United States.
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