Nigeria’s steady rise within Africa’s competitive paddle sport landscape was reinforced by a landmark victory.
It was a gold medal that not only put Nigeria at the top of the podium but represented a significant step for the West African nation.
Ibrahim Isyaka and Feanyi Okuchukwu emerged victorious in the men’s U23 canoe double 500m at the African Canoe Sprint Championships in Luanda, Angola.
Their triumph on Angolan waters in November last year underscored the impact of sustained investment in athlete development and highlighted a new generation of Nigerian paddlers ready to compete – and win – at the highest level in Africa.
Isyaka and Okuchukwu have been part of the International Canoe Federation development training camps since 2024, where consistent exposure to elite coaching, structured training, and international standards steadily progressed their talents.
Both athletes entered the sport through different pathways. Isyaka, inspired by growing up around water as the son of a fisherman, began canoeing at the age of 14 after watching local athlete’s train. Okuchukwu transitioned to canoeing in 2020 following a successful youth swimming career, after being encouraged by his swimming coach to try the sport.
Despite their success at the African Championships, both paddlers emphasised that their ambitions extend beyond continental competition.
“We want to be Olympic champions,” said Isyaka. “That is our belief, and we know we can get there. We never give up.”
Okuchukwu added: “With the help of my country and the International Canoe Federation, we will go to the next Olympic Games.”
The athletes highlighted the impact of the ICF’s development programmes, which includes training camps, equipment support, and coaching education across Africa.
“The development training camp really supports us all as athletes,” said Isyaka.
“We learn a lot from each other and all the other athletes involved, because we come from different countries, and we can share our experiences.”
“The sponsorship we get from the ICF really supports us – a lot, a lot.”
Their victory reflects a wider advancement in African canoeing, as structured development pathways and increased accessibility continue to translate into competitive success at international events.
As African champions with clear Olympic ambitions, Isyaka and Okuchukwu now look ahead to the next phase of their journey, aiming to build on this success on the road to the sport’s biggest stage.
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