Hosting Olympic Qualifiers A Privilege: Nigeria Rowing President

President of Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation Admiral Festus Porbeni (retired), has said hosting the African Canoe Sprint and Para-Canoe qualifiers paddle for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Nigeria is a privilege.

A delighted Admiral Porbeni while speaking with journalists on Saturday during the qualifiers at Jabi Lake, Abuja, Nigeria said;

“It’s a rare privilege, we have never had this in Nigeria, we are hosting 16 African countries here today, and of course major African nations are here.

Before now it used to be North African countries, South African side, so we now came in,when I came on board,we made this beautiful lane which was done by Olympic rule, even the world body language was surprised, they said this one is good Nigeria we are happy with you”.

Porbeni added that it was unfair for the Nigerian athletes not to have gone to camp prior to the qualifiers.

“For our athletes there was no camping for them, it’s unfair on our part but we could not afford camping but they are picking medals for us”.

He also spoke on his efforts by his Federation to ensure the boats which were in the hands of Nigerian Customs were released.

“About three nights of monitoring the boats to arrive, we thank God they came just at the nick of time after we have almost completed day one”.

Admiral Porbeni who is happy with the development of the sports under his watch, is also confident that this is a start of great things in the Federation.

Hosting Olympic Qualifiers A Privilege: Nigeria Rowing President