Sports
Rowing and Canoeing President Ogunbiyi Hails Successful Time Sprint Trials, Charges Athletes to Improve Speed
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation of Nigeria, Akin Ogunbiyi, has expressed satisfaction with the just-concluded National Time Sprint Trials, urging athletes to intensify efforts toward improving their speed as they prepare for global competitions.
The historic three-day trials, held at Jabi Lake, brought together emerging and elite athletes in canoe sprint events, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s quest to build a formidable presence in international rowing and canoeing competitions.
Speaking at the end of the event, Ogunbiyi described the trials as a crucial benchmark in assessing athletes’ readiness for future championships, including the Olympic Games.
He noted that the level of participation and commitment displayed by athletes was highly encouraging.
“We are very happy with what we have seen here. The turnout is impressive, and it reflects the growing interest in the sport. This trial has given us the opportunity to evaluate our athletes and identify key areas where they need to improve, especially in speed,” he said.
Despite commending the athletes’ performances, Ogunbiyi acknowledged that their current timings still fall short of international standards.
However, he stressed that there has been noticeable improvement, adding that the federation is now better positioned to tailor training programmes that will elevate athletes to compete globally.
“The times may not yet match international standards, but there is clear progress. What is important is that we now understand the gaps and can work strategically to close them,” he added.
Looking ahead, the federation plans to organize similar trials at regular intervals to monitor athletes’ development and maintain competitive readiness. According to Ogunbiyi, consistent evaluation and exposure will be critical in grooming athletes for the demands of international competitions.
In addressing the challenges facing the sport, he highlighted the need for improved infrastructure but assured that efforts are ongoing to bridge the gap. He revealed that the federation is also leveraging international partnerships to expose athletes to world-class training facilities.
Some Nigerian athletes, he noted, have already benefited from overseas training programmes in countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Canada, with plans underway to expand these opportunities.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the federation, Olubunmi Ola Oluode, commended the National Sports Commission, state officials, and other stakeholders for their support in ensuring the success of the trials.
She emphasized that collaboration remains key to the sustainable development of the sport.
One of the standout performers at the event, Sijuola Oluwatoyosi Magret, who competed in the 200m, 500m, and 1000m events, expressed gratitude to the federation for organizing the trials. She described the competition as a valuable platform for athletes to test their abilities and prepare for international outings.
Sijuola also highlighted the importance of training camps in her development, noting that consistent practice and exposure are essential for improvement. With a clear vision for the future, she reaffirmed her ambition to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games.
“I want to become an Olympian and compete at the highest level. With the kind of support and training we are getting, I believe it is achievable,” she said.
With renewed focus, structured training, and sustained investment, stakeholders remain optimistic that Nigeria’s rowing and canoeing athletes are on the right path to achieving international success.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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