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
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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