Rio 2016 Rowing: Ukogu eager to make Nigeria history

Nigeria’s Cheirika Ukogu is desperate to make history at the Rio 2016 Olympics by becoming the first rower to represent the country at the Games,Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The 23 year old American-born graduate of Stanford University qualified to represent Nigeria at the summer Games in Brazil during the 2015 FISA African Olympic Qualification Regatta.

Ukogu revealed in an interview with boathouse.com that it has always been her dream to row for Nigeria.

“It is my ultimate goal to be the first Nigerian to row at the Olympic Games,” Ukogu began.

“Heading into Rio, it’s a really wonderful opportunity for Nigeria.

“This is the first time we’ve had an athlete at the Olympics in the sport of rowing and I want to make history representing Nigeria.”

She is currently preparing for the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Vesper Boathouse at Schuylkill, Philadelphia where she believes will puts her in great position ahead of the Games.