Sports news in Africa is abuzz with the recent canoeing competition held in Abuja, Nigeria. Kayakers from more than 15 countries took part in the Confederation of Africa canoe sprint and para-canoe qualifications, hoping to secure a place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The president of the International Canoe Federation praised the organization of the event. “As host, Nigeria is doing an excellent professional job in providing a stage for Africa’s best athletes,” said Thomas Konietzko. “It is an important political sign in Africa that we are also venturing into new regions.”
Athletes competed in 18 men’s and women’s races, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. Eight qualifying tickets were up for grabs from Thursday to Sunday.
The competition was fierce. The African qualifiers were the first continental qualifiers for next year’s Olympic Games.
“I competed in the C2 (two-person canoe) 500 meter event, which is an Olympic event, and we qualified,” said Nigerian canoe athlete Bello Ayomide Powei. “If I have coaches who support me and prepare me, I believe I will come back with something. I believe I will make my nation proud.”
“It’s a bit difficult because there are many top athletes. I want to win, but only God knows my position on the water,” said Drevor Lspérance of Seychelles.
In the end, Angola, Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa were victorious and secured their place at the Olympic Games.
Athletes from the following countries also participated in the competition: Djibouti, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Sao Tome, Senegal, Seychelles, Uganda.
The president of the International Canoe Federation hopes to see the sport develop further on the continent.
The future of canoeing in Africa looks promising, as more and more countries are taking up the discipline and investing in the training of their athletes. These qualifications for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are an important step for the development of canoeing in Africa and offer athletes from the region a unique opportunity to compete against the best in the world. Hopefully this competition will inspire other African countries to participate and support their athletes in this exciting discipline.