Rowing in Nigeria

Water sports

Rowing in Nigeria

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 Championships in Sarasota, Florida, U.S., held from 24 September to 1 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 donated by Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC to the federation as an indicator event in preparation for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Benefits of rowing

Rowing is known as one of the more calming sports one can do. It is good to be done early in the morning when the water is calm and the setting is peaceful.

Rowing is very good for health; it is an excellent exercise which has so many benefits, one of such is that it helps to maintain a healthy body composition and also helps in burning off fat.

Rowing improves the lung’s ability to provide oxygen to the blood, heart and the entire body, rowing promotes weight loss and can help to build up strength.

It helps to exercise the entire major muscle group.

It reduces stress; Rowing offers a very great amount of physical health benefits including increased power and strength to the body.

Explore more on SitesNG

• Contact the NRCSF
• Nigerian Rowers and Canoeists
• Olympics, African and Commonwealth Games
• All sports in Nigeria
• Nigerian athletes
• Nigerian sports statistics