Two Nigerian junior rowers, who participated in the just-concluded Africa Rowing Championship in Tunisia are now among the top 10 athletes in Africa, the Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCSF), has said.
The federation’s secretary, Bunmi Oluode, told the Sports Journalist on Monday in Lagos that Moses Michael and Gloria Semidara were ranked 5th and 7th in the junior category of rowing single scull event.
Oluode said the athletes also participated in a Youth Olympic camp organised by the World Rowing Body from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19 in Tunisia before the championships commenced on Oct. 20.
“Having two of our young athletes ranked among the top 10 young rowers in Africa shows that we are doing well in terms of development of the sport.
“Moses finished in first position of the final B in his event, while Glory performance also earned her a spot among the top 10 ranked junior rowers.
“The commitment and dedication of the federation’s President, retired Rear Adm. Festus Porbeni, has helped the athletes in many areas in the sport,’’ she said.
The secretary noted that the athletes were part of the six athletes that represented the country at the World Rowing Championship, held in Sarasota, Florida in the U.S. in September.
She commended SAPETRO, an upstream Oil and Gas Company for sponsoring the athletes to the competition.
“We are very grateful to our sponsors for their support in ensuring that our athletes participated in the event,’’ Oluode said