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Rowing in Nigeria
Nigeria Male Rower
Rowing is a type of water sport that involves propelling a boat on the water using oars. It is a kind of sport that can serve as recreation, fun, and competition. In Nigeria, rowing can be predominantly seen in riverine areas, though not as a sport, as it's common among some of the Nigerian festivals in Port Harcourt and Lagos for recreation.
In terms of sports, Nigeria is not famous for rowing. However, the federation is striving hard to make the sport viral as some rowers, such as Chierika Ukogu and Akinyemi, have represented Nigeria in international rowing tournaments.
A total number of six athletes from the Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCSF) represented the country at the World Rowing Championship in the U.S. held from 20 September to 2nd October 2017, and more are trained to perform in other upcoming championships.
The Nigeria Rowing Federation recorded an excellent history as two rowers who participated in the Africa Rowing Championship in Tunisia were ranked in the top 10 on the continent.
Also, training of the local coaches was organized by the Nigeria Rowing, Sailing, and Canoe Federation in partnership with the British Rowing Federation; the federation is working hard to ensure Nigeria becomes a place for water sports.
The federation also had a demonstration event at the Nzeh Festival in Nasarawa State to boost and promote the sport at the grassroots level. The aim of partnering with the festival organizers was to create awareness about water sports and to increase the number of people who would like to join.
To make the rower excel in the sports, the secretary general of the Nigeria Rowing, canoe, and Sailing Federation declared the commissioning of 20 rowing boats denoted by Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC to the federation as an indicator event in preparation for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.