Team Nigeria’s hopes for a strong showing in the Women’s Canoe Single 200m event faced a setback as Ayomide Powei Bello and Beauty Akinaere Otuedo failed to secure direct spots in the semifinals.
Both athletes now find themselves heading to the quarterfinals after tough heats.
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Ayomide Bello, who has been a promising figure in Nigerian canoeing, competed fiercely in her heat. With a time of 49.85 seconds, Bello finished in 6th place. Despite a valiant effort, her time wasn’t enough to secure an automatic semifinal berth.
Canada’s Sophia Jensen and Spain’s Antia Jacome led the pack, claiming the two coveted semifinal spots. Jensen’s strong performance with precise strokes and Jacome’s consistent pace pushed Bello out of the top ranks.
In a separate heat, Beauty Otuedo faced a similar challenge. Racing in a field filled with seasoned competitors, Otuedo clocked in at 55.77 seconds, finishing 5th. Like Bello, Otuedo was unable to clinch a direct path to the semifinals. Poland’s Dorota Borowska and Brazil’s Valdenice Conceicao dominated the heat, taking the two available spots for the next round.
The performances by Bello and Otuedo highlight the intense competition in this year’s event. While both Nigerian athletes demonstrated determination and skill, the fierce pace set by their rivals proved difficult to match. As they move to the quarterfinals, Bello and Otuedo will have to regroup and strategize to advance further in the competition.
Reflecting on the results, Bello said, “It was a tough race, and I gave it my all. I’ll focus on the next round and keep pushing.”
The quarterfinals now present a second chance for these talented paddlers to make their mark on the global stage. Nigeria’s hopes in the Women’s Canoe Single 200m remain alive as Bello and Otuedo prepare for their upcoming races.
