Lack Of Equipment Hampers Kayak Training

A kayak athlete, Moses Orugbani, has, decried the lack of standard equipment with which athletes in the sport could train with.

Orugbani told Tidesports in an interview  that the situation was capable of stunting the technical development of the athletes.

“We don’t have standard equipment to train with and it is really hampering the development of the sport.

“I hope that the authorities will provide us with the necessary equipment that will assist us in strengthening our skills.

“Although we know such equipment is expensive, but we are only hoping to get some to enhance our training,” he said.

Orugbani also told Tidesports that they lacked competitions through which they could hone their skills.

“What we athletes do is just to train with no competition in view. We ought to be participating in as many competitions as possible, to improve in our performance, he added.

The Kayak practitioner is, however, optimistic that the incoming board of the Nigeria Rowing, Sailing and Canoe Federation (NRSCF), would improve on the situation.

“I am only praying that the next board of the federation will have the ability to adequately equip the sport.

“So that we can move ahead and see how we can build on our strength to become a medal-winning sport in the Olympics,” he said.

Nigeria participated for the first time in canoeing at the 2012 London Olympic Games.