Sports

Capt Ayoade Showcases 4-Year Gains of Shooting Federation, Eyes Nigeria’s Rise

Published

7 days ago

September 28, 2025

Joel Ajayi

South West Representative of the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) and Presidential Aspirant, Capt (NN) OB Ayoade, has unveiled a comprehensive account of the federation’s progress under his leadership from 2021 to 2025. In a personally signed statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Capt. Ayoade outlined the achievements as a “Track Record of Service, Sacrifice, and Structure,” while pledging to raise the bar even higher if entrusted with the mandate to lead the federation as President.

According to the statement, Distinguished Senior Officers, Esteemed Board Members, and Honourable Secretary,I respectfully present this stewardship report with deep gratitude for the trust bestowed upon me to serve the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF). Over the past four years, we have transitioned from dormancy to direction — setting a clear course toward global competitiveness.

Key Achievements: Building the Foundation for Olympic Qualification. Pioneering Participation & Talent Discovery

NYG Ilorin 2021: Self-funded and successfully executed. Converted a university lecture hall into a functional shooting range. Discovered two promising female athletes from Kano.

ASSF AGM in Cairo: Personally covered costs to attend and intervened to prevent Nigeria’s suspension over unpaid affiliation dues. Cleared 3 years of arrears and deposited $3,000 to secure ongoing participation and Egyptian cooperation.

ISSF Representation: Funded NSSF athlete participation in: ISSF World Cups (Egypt 2021 & 2022, Baku 2023) African Championships (Egypt 2023)

High-Impact Development Initiatives, Personally funded: Recruitment of two foreign coaches. Domestic and international athlete camps (20+ in Abuja, 8 in Egypt). ISSF affiliation fees for 2023–2024. €20,000 worth of equipment secured (Nov 2024).

National shooting clinic with Col. Ahmed (2022) and Training and enlightenment programs in Plateau State. Athlete Performance Trends: Rifle athletes achieving scores above 595, approaching Olympic MQS level. Pistol talents climbing, with top national score at 540+. Foundation laid — the next mission: conversion to MQS and Olympic quotas.

2025–2028 Vision: Qualify Nigeria for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Roadmap: Preparation – MQS -Quota – Olympics; A. Yearly High-Performance Camps

24 weeks of training annually (12-week blocks or continuous). Integrated team: head coaches (rifle/pistol), strength & conditioning, physio, psychologist, nutritionist, certified armourer.

Weekly match simulations and transparent performance tracking.

Coaching & Talent Pathways

Retain international coaches and upskill Nigerian coaches via ISSF certification. Selection purely score-based with clear benchmarks and an independent appeals process.

Competition Strategy: Consistent starts at ISSF World Cups, Grand Prix, African Championships. Pre-event warm-up competitions 6–8 weeks ahead. Launch Nigeria Grand Prix on Electronic Target Systems (ETS) to simulate elite match conditions.

Infrastructure & Equipment: Expand ETS to Delta State and other regional hubs. Centralized firearms/ammunition management with trained armourers.

Funding & Transparent Governance: Blend of NSC/NOC, ISSF grants, CSR partnerships, and state/institutional support. Transparent budgeting with quarterly reporting and protected travel funds for athletes.

First 180 Days (Post Re-Election): Launch full 2025–2028 calendar and publish MQS benchmarks. Appoint LA28 MQS squad and alternates. Start Camp Block 1; finalize international coaching contracts.Commission two new ETS hubs and certify two more armourers. Host Nigeria Grand Prix #1 and secure at least 2 international starts for core athletes andImplement athlete dashboards and publish quarterly KPIs.

Target Metrics by 2028: 6+ athletes at MQS level by end of 2026; 10+ by 2027, 3 ETS ranges by mid-2026, 5+ by 2028, 8+ international starts per core athlete per year,20+ ISSF-certified Nigerian coaches by 2027

Why Re-Elect Capt Ayoade? Continuity That Converts. Over the last four years, I have personally invested in athletes, coaches, international dues, equipment, and camps — not just to maintain the Federation, but to move it forward. The experience, networks, and systems built are now ready to be scaled for Olympic qualification.

Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines. With your continued support, we will take our shot on the world stage.

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Sports

Dr. Ogunbiyi Emerges New President of Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, Vows Greater Development

Published

22 hours ago

October 4, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi on Saturday emerged as the new President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, taking over from Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd).

In an election held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Ogunbiyi polled all 13 votes cast to win unopposed in what stakeholders described as one of the freest and fairest elections in recent times.

Similarly, Mr. Kayode Abulazeez was elected Vice President after securing 13 out of 13 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ogunbiyi commended the outgoing president for laying a solid foundation for the Federation.

He noted that under Porbeni’s leadership, Nigeria achieved notable milestones, including participation in Olympic qualifiers.

“Over the last 10 to 15 years, the Federation has gained national recognition through sacrifice and commitment. We must now build on that foundation to take rowing, canoeing, and sailing to the next level,” Ogunbiyi said.

He stressed that infrastructure development and nationwide talent scouting will be top priorities for the new board, adding that Nigeria’s abundant water resources hold great potential for the growth of water sports.

“We will consolidate on what has been achieved and, with the support of government agencies and corporate sponsors, I believe that within one to two years we will witness massive progress in this sport,” he added.

Ogunbiyi also acknowledged the challenge of Nigeria’s poor maintenance culture, promising that the Federation will not only construct new facilities but also maintain existing ones in line with international standards.

He pledged to align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in driving sustainable development in the sport.

On his own, the Vice President Kayode Abulazeez, appreciated the delegates for their confidence and stressed that infrastructure remains key to discovering hidden talents across the country.

“Nigeria is blessed with diverse water bodies, and we must make rowing, canoeing, and sailing inclusive sports developed across all regions,” he said.

Speaking also, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, described the election as seamless and transparent, noting that strict adherence to rules and regulations ensured its credibility.

“This is one of the freest and fairest elections conducted in recent times. My charge to the new board is to work in unity and harmony to move the Federation forward,” Bamiduro stated.

He also commended the management of the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, and Dr. Bukola Olopade, Secretary-General, for providing the enabling environment for the successful conduct of the polls.

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