Nigeria given three years to meet equestrian membership goals

The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) has set a three-year deadline for Nigeria to fulfill the requirements for full membership in the global governing body for equestrian sports.

This target came after a four-day visit by FEI officials to Nigeria. They assessed the country's equestrian facilities, structures, and plans for the sport.

The delegation, led by Brigitte Matthias, who is the Chairperson of FEI Group IX, toured important equestrian and sports sites in Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and Lagos. Their stops included the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Fifth Chukker, Ahmadu Bello University, Lagos Polo Club, GidiUp Horse Riding Academy, and Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Ms Matthias stated that the goals to be set with Nigeria are achievable within three years. This will help Nigeria meet the requirements to become a full FEI member.

"I would like to see that the goals that we’re going to put out on the table in the next couple of days, you achieve them," she said.

"The goals are all reachable within the three years so that you achieve them and then that you can become a full member of the FEI."

She also mentioned that Nigeria should show its commitment by hosting regular competitions. She emphasized that these events do not have to be at the highest level.

"If I come and visit, yes, we would like to see those competitions. They can be grassroots; it doesn’t need to be high, but the will is there to enjoy the sport," Ms Matthias said.

FEI identifies key priorities

Céline Starbanov, FEI Project Manager for Solidarity and Development, noted that Nigeria is still in the early stages and will need to improve many areas before moving forward.

"We are at the beginning, we are at an early stage of development, we are at the structuration phase, but we all have to start somewhere," she said.

She explained that FEI Solidarity can assist in areas such as athletes, coaches, national federation structures, and horse welfare.

Ms Starbanov highlighted training for grooms, farriers, and stable managers, as well as educating coaches, as potential priorities.

"I think that’s one of the priorities, and then we could also start with coaching, educating coaches," she said.

She added that Nigeria will need more venues, riders, horses, coaches, and national-level competitions.

‘This is a new beginning’

Anthony Obiorah, President of the Nigeria Equestrian Federation (NEF), called the FEI visit an important milestone. He said it highlighted areas where Nigeria needs to improve.

"We have learned a lot from this visit, and there’s been a lot of corrections," he said.

Mr Obiorah confirmed that the federation is open to suggestions and plans to use them to strengthen the sport.

"Of course, as a country we know we are beginning and then we don’t accept that we are doing everything correctly, so we’ve been open to corrections, and they’ve done a great deal in telling us the things we are not doing well and which we have accepted, and we have promised to do better," he said.

"This is a new beginning. We want us to key in. We are very particular in putting Nigeria on the world equestrian map, and this begins now."

He also mentioned that the federation aims to make equestrian sport accessible to more people, especially since it is often seen as a sport for the rich.

The goal is to create a way for children to enter the sport at the grassroots level, get training, compete nationally, and eventually represent Nigeria internationally.

Building the people behind the sport

Vanessa Asuni, NEF Vice President for Technical and Sports Development, said the FEI visit helped the federation understand its requirements better.

"This visit is a profound visit because it’s giving us the guidance and showing us the right steps to take," she said.

"We now understand the structure. We know that horse welfare is important. It always has been."

Mrs Asuni said it is also important to focus on the people supporting the riders and horses, like grooms, stable managers, coaches, and other technical staff.

"It’s the foundations that matter," she said, adding that she is hopeful about the chances this process could create for young Nigerians.

The federation has also noted that infrastructure, funding, technical skills, and specialized services need improvement.

Lagos pushes wider access

Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, said the state wants to use equestrian sports to help develop youth and encourage participation.

He criticized the heavy focus on football in Nigeria and said young people should have chances to explore other sports.

Fatodu stated that the Lagos State Government and Lagos State Sports Commission will work to make equestrian sport available to young people, especially children aged five to 15 years.

"No sport should be invisible in Lagos State. And no talent should be overlooked in Lagos State," he said.

The FEI visit has now given the NEF clear targets to focus on, including competitions, technical skills, horse welfare, trained personnel, and increasing participation. This will help Nigeria work towards full FEI membership.