January 09, (THEWILL) – As kayaking continues to grow in popularity in Nigeria, the president of the country’s Kayak, Canoe, and Sailing Federation, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd), believes that the sport has the potential to bring home multiple medals from the Olympic Games.
Porbeni, who has seen the sport’s popularity rise with its inclusion in the 21st National Sports Festival held in Delta state, is urging the country’s youth to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the kayak federation and strive for international fame through the sport.
He also emphasised that kayaking is not just a sport for Nigeria’s riverine communities, but can be enjoyed in any state with a body of water. Porbeni is calling on subnational governments to invest in the sport and help it continue to grow and thrive in the country.
The kayak federation has already held successful national championships in Sokoto, Kaduna, and Abuja, and with the support of the International Kayak Federation and corporate sponsorships, Porbeni is confident that the sport is heading in the right direction.
He believes that with adequate funding, Nigeria can make a strong showing in international kayaking competitions, including the Olympic Games.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
