By Ben Efe 20-5-2025
Following an outcry by the Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation in Nigeria president, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd) for the water sport to be included in the National Sports Festival, the National Sports Commission has confirmed that there would be rowing and canoeing contest at Enugu 2026.
NSC director-general Bukoula Olapade dropped the hint as the 2024 Gateway Games progressed in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“Rowing and canoeing are an olympic sport and I can confirm it will make its debut at the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival,” said Hon. Olapade.
During the Niger Delta Sports Festival where rowing and canoeing featured Admiral Porbeni had wondered why the sport was not included in the sports festival through the years. He argued that two Nigerians athletes have already qualified and represented Nigeria at Olympics and with that alone rowing and canoeing should encouraged in all the states.
He added that Nigeria has huge potentials in the sport and all efforts must be made to make rowing and canoeing a popular sport in the country.
“We have been struggling at the Olympics with our king of Sports Football and many other sports with no medals at the last edition, whereas we can easily give other sports like the so-called lesser sports like Canoeing, Rowing and Sailing that has over 40 Gold Medals.
“And note that Nigeria is currently ranked 8th in the world and Africa number one through the efforts Federation’s Technical Director Mr Ebenezer Ayomide Bello,” Porbeni stated.
