Sports
Abuja Hosts Historic Trials as Nigeria Rowing Federation Pushes for Olympic Qualification
By Joel Ajayi
The Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation of Nigeria has taken a major step toward Olympic qualification, staging historic National Time Trials in Abuja aimed at discovering and preparing elite athletes for global success.
Speaking at the maiden Canoe Sprint National Time Trials on Sunday, the federation’s president, Akin Ogunbiyi, reaffirmed the body’s commitment to grassroots talent development and international competitiveness. He described the event as a strategic platform to identify, nurture, and select Nigeria’s finest athletes for global competitions, including the Olympic Games.
Ogunbiyi noted that the trials were deliberately designed to be inclusive, giving athletes from across the country equal opportunity to compete and 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 added that the federation has spent over 15 years expanding the sport across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the current initiative marking a renewed push to deepen participation and raise national awareness.
The competition features 200m, 500m, and 1000m races, with athletes battling for spots on the national team. Ogunbiyi assured participants of robust 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 emphasized that the federation’s ambition extends beyond participation. “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 to elevate Nigerian athletes to world-class standards.
She highlighted that, for the first time, competitors are using internationally certified fibreglass boats—equipment typically reserved for global championships and the Olympics—made possible through collaboration with 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 progress to intensive training camps and benefit from structured international exposure programmes.
She further revealed that standout athletes, including Isiaka Ibrahim and Ifeanyi Okechukwu, have already secured training opportunities in Europe ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
With sustained investment in modern equipment, transparent selection processes, and elite training pathways, the federation remains confident that Nigeria is on course not just to qualify for the Olympics, but to compete strongly for medals.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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