Day 11 of Olympics: Nigeria’s canoeing duo through to women’s doubles 500m final

By Samuel Akpan in Paris

Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otuedo, two Nigerian canoeing representatives, have secured their spots in the final B of the women’s canoe doubles 500m event.

Persecondnews reports that they both finished fifth in the first heat of the quarterfinals, getting to the line in a time of 2:07.86 on Tuesday.

Earlier in an exclusive chat with Persecondnews correspondent in Paris, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Rowing Canoe and Sailing Federation, Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, assured Nigerians that a podium finish is the target for the canoeing team.

She said: “The athletes are ready to go, the spirit is high, and the motivation is there, with the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, ensuring that all local, foreign, and Olympic allowances are cleared.

“The ministry has done so well; they have ensured that nothing stands as obstacle in ensuring a podium finish from rowers at the games.

“In ensuring we meet up with the best global standard for our team, we had a podium performance committee in charge of the psychological readiness of the athletes and also checked the scientific and nutritional aspects of the game to boost the athletes.”