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From Investment to Legacy: Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi’s Drive to Elevate Nigerian Canoeing

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Joel Ajayi

When the story of sports development in Nigeria is told, the name Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi consistently makes the tale. Known for his passion, vision, and unmatched personal investment in sports, these strides have made him a pillar of support for Nigerian athletes, and today, those same qualities position him as the best man to lead the Canoeing Federation as its next president.

For years, Dr. Ogunbiyi has gone beyond words to action, putting his resources and influence behind athletes and federations.

He personally sponsored Nigeria’s canoeing team to the World Championship in Canada, setting the tone for his unwavering commitment to the sport. In 2014, he facilitated Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc’s sponsorship of Team Nigeria at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, ensuring athletes had the backing they needed to shine on the global stage. His contributions to canoeing are both historic and transformational.

He purchased 20 canoe and kayak boats, paddles, and other vital equipment for the Rowing and Canoeing Federation, empowering athletes with tools to compete internationally.

In 2020, he constructed and delivered the only Federation Boat Club at Jabi Lake, Abuja, an enduring legacy and world-class facility that continues to serve as the heartbeat of canoeing in Nigeria.

Dr. Ogunbiyi’s support cuts across national and international events. From backing Team Nigeria at the Congo African Games to sponsoring athletes at the World Rowing Championship in France (2015) and the African Continental Qualification in South Africa (2016), his name has been the constant factor in Nigeria’s presence at key competitions.

His financial contributions also sustained the 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin, the Paracanoe Team at the 2018 National Championship, and the 2021 National Championship at Jabi Lake. Most recently, he supported Nigeria at the African Cup for Canoe Sprint (2023) and the African Continental Paris Olympic Qualification, hosted at Jabi Lake, Abuja in November 2023.

Beyond canoeing, Dr. Ogunbiyi has left an indelible mark on Nigerian sports generally. He built an ultra-modern badminton court and has consistently invested in platforms that give young athletes opportunities to excel. His passion for sports is matched only by his determination to see Nigeria compete and win at the highest levels.

The future of canoeing in Nigeria requires a leader with vision, capacity, and proven commitment. Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has demonstrated all three, time and again. His track record is not just impressive—it is unrivaled. With him as president, Nigeria’s canoeing will not only grow, it will thrive on the continental and global stage.

Dr. Ogunbiyi is not just the right candidate for the job, he is the only candidate whose legacy already proves what the future can look like.

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Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

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Joel Ajayi

With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.

The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.

“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.

Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.

“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.

To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.

“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.

The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.

“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.

Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.

“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”

Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.

“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.

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