Stakeholders in Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCF) are optimistic that the country would surpass it attainment at the London 2012.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jonathan Akinyemi and Chierika Ukugo will feature for the country at the event in Rio when holds between Aug. 6 and Aug. 14.
It will be recalled that Briton-Nigerian Akinyemi is the only athlete that represented the country at its maiden appearance in the event at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Akinyemi and Ukogu will now represent the country in White Water Slalom in canoe and 200m single sculls for women respectively.
Akinyemi, Nigerain Olympic slalom canoe competitor at London 2012 failed in his bid to make it to the semi-finals round of the men’s Kayak K1 event.
Patrick Egbele, Technical Director of the body told NAN that the country’s chances in both events are high.
Egbele said that both athletes had prepared thoroughly to reach the semi-finals or final of their events.
“Akinyemi is one of the best in Africa and he is also well experienced in the sport.
“His participation in the 2012 Olympics will no doubt be an edge for him to up his performance in Rio.
“Ukugo is also a strong contender and I believe she is going to make a mark in the world stage being her first appearance in the Olympics.
“Most Russians won’t be participating due to the doping scandal rocking her athletes and it could be an advantage for us,’’ he said.
Also, Giwa Daramola, Commodore of the Nigeria Sailing Club in Ojo, Lagos, said that the country’s representative in the water sport could exceed the semi-finals.
Daramola told NAN that Akinyemi had the experience needed to compete favourably with other athletes from the globe.
“I’m not expecting medals, but that doesn’t mean we can’t win medals as far as I am concerned.
“But I strongly believe we will go far in the event, owing to the exposure and training equipment at the disposal of both athletes who are based abroad,’’ he said.
Others who spoke to NAN also expressed the hope that if they did not clinch medals in their events, they would at least reach the semi-finals.
They also urged the Federal Government to ensure that facilities were put in place for athletes to train and make available enough grants for them to prepare adequately.
All Hopes are high that the two Nigeria representatives in the water event will perform beyond expectations and do the country proud in spite of the hurdles they encounter on their way to Rio.
Ukogu, born and raised in the U.S., prepared for the competition among her peers in the U.S. team for the event, a development that is believed would give her an edge.
“My preparation for the Games is going on well in spite of the difficulties I have gone through.
“I have access to training facilities in the U.S. and I am also opportune to practice with the U.S team.
“With all these, I am hopeful and will continue to do the needful to have a good outing in Rio,’’ she wrote in an e-mail to NAN.
Ukogu said that sourcing for funds was one of the major challenges in preparing for the Games.
She noted that the International Rowing Federation supported her preparation for the Rio Olympics in Brazil.
“Funding my training was really challenging; I have to use `GoFundMe’ to raise money for some of my expenses.
“I also got support from the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCSF), but it was not enough,’’ she said.