The need for more investment in water sports like canoeing and rowing in Nigeria has again been emphasised at the just concluded 8th admiral Porbeni National boat race held at the Jabi lake in Abuja.
Team delta dominated events with 12 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals as over 100 paddlers competed in 18 events.
The three day event afforded paddlers another opportunity to demonstrate their skills almost a year after they competed at the 20th national sports festival in Benin city Edo state capital.
Tokyo 2020 athlete, Ayomide Bello who representing Bayelsa state stood out among the rest with four gold medals as Moses Michael competing in the colours of team delta dominated the men’s event with two gold medals.
Former permanent secretary in the federal ministry of youths and sports development, Olusade Adesola who is currently at the federal capital territory administration shares the views of the athletes which is a call for more competitions.
The need for Nigeria to develop the sports was also emphasised as special adviser to president Muhammadu Buhari on sports, Daniel Amokachi who represented, the sports minister agreed that Nigeria has the capacity to compete among the best in water sports around the world.
Top dignitaries from the international canoe federation, Africa canoe federation including Nigeria are among other dignitaries who witnessed the final day of the competition.
The competition climaxed with the presentation of medals and prize money to outstanding paddlers.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
