FEI sets three-year target for Nigeria’s equestrian federation

The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) has set a three-year target for Nigeria's equestrian federation to meet the necessary requirements for full membership, following a recent assessment of the country's equestrian structures, facilities, and plans. The FEI delegation, led by Group IX Chairperson Brigitte Mathias, visited various locations across Nigeria, including Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and Lagos, to evaluate the country's progress in equestrianism.

Mathias, who is also a member of the FEI Executive Board, expressed confidence that Nigeria can achieve all the agreed-upon goals within the three-year period. The federation emphasizes the importance of regular competitions, which could be at grassroots level, to demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to the sport. Céline Starbanov, FEI Project Manager for Solidarity and Development, noted that Nigeria is still in an early stage of development but acknowledged that every nation must begin somewhere.

The FEI Solidarity program is prepared to support various aspects of the federation, including athlete and coach development, horse welfare, technical staff training, and coaching education. Nigeria's President of the Nigeria Equestrian Federation, Dr. Anthony Obiorah, welcomed the FEI's assessment as a crucial milestone, aiming to elevate the country's status on the global equestrian map.

The federation also seeks to make equestrian sports more accessible to the general public, particularly children from lower-income backgrounds.