A delegation from the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the global governing body for equestrian sports, will visit Nigeria from September 28 to October 1. This four-day trip is part of Nigeria's bid for international affiliation with the FEI. The Nigeria Equestrian Federation (NEF) confirmed that the visit is the final stage before the FEI General Assembly considers Nigeria's application. During their visit, the delegation will engage with key Nigerian sporting institutions and inspect equestrian facilities.
The FEI delegation will assess various aspects of Nigeria's equestrian sport, including governance, technical structures, athlete and official development, veterinary systems, horse welfare, facilities, competitions, and anti-doping arrangements. NEF President Anthony Obiorah emphasized the significance of this visit, stating it is a crucial milestone for Nigerian equestrian sport. The visit aims to evaluate Nigeria's readiness to integrate into the international equestrian system, ensuring that its governance and structures meet international standards.
Obiorah highlighted that Nigeria faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits, funding constraints, limited technical capacity, and access to specialized services. Despite these challenges, the NEF is working to strengthen training and competition facilities, veterinary support, and technical development. The federation prioritizes horse welfare, emphasizing that horses are not equipment but athletes and partners. The NEF seeks greater support from the government and private sector to develop infrastructure, youth programs, and international participation.
Vanessa Asuni, NEF's vice president for Technical and Sports Development, noted that Nigeria needs a structured pathway to develop talented riders and professionals. The federation is creating programs for riders, coaches, grooms, judges, stewards, veterinarians, and other technical personnel. Asuni identified Nigerian equestrians in the diaspora as a potential source of international experience and expertise. The federation plans to broaden access to equestrian sports through schools, riding schools, and talent identification initiatives.
If Nigeria secures FEI recognition, the federation will prioritize greater international participation and host FEI-sanctioned competitions. Asuni stated that the immediate focus will be on strengthening the pathway from national to international competition. Hosting international competitions will expose Nigerian riders and officials to international standards and create economic opportunities in the equestrian sector.
The NEF aims to build an equestrian system that develops Nigerian talent, protects horses, and creates economic opportunities. Obiorah emphasized that the FEI visit is a milestone, not the destination. The federation seeks to establish a stronger pathway into international equestrian sports, with a focus on integrating Nigerian equestrian sport into the international system.
The visit will assess Nigeria's readiness to complete the affiliation process and establish a stronger pathway into international equestrian sport. The NEF is working towards building a credible pathway from grassroots participation to international competition. With FEI affiliation, Nigeria aims to become a country that can host international equestrian sports, not just participate in them.
Key points
- The FEI delegation will assess Nigeria's governance and technical structures, athlete and official development, and horse welfare.
- Nigeria faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits, funding constraints, and limited technical capacity.
- The NEF seeks to develop a structured pathway to move talented riders and professionals from domestic competition to the international level.
