The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body for equestrian sport, will conduct a four-day inspection of Nigeria’s equestrian facilities as the country advances its bid for international affiliation.

The inspection is scheduled to run from September 28 to October 1, with the delegation expected to visit facilities in Abuja and Lagos and hold meetings with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and National Sports Commission.

The visit follows the recent recognition of the Nigeria Equestrian Federation (NEF) as an Olympic sport federation by the NOC.

President of the NEF, Dr Anthony Obiorah, described the recognition as a significant institutional development but said the federation still had work to do to achieve full integration into the international equestrian system.

He said the FEI inspection represented a key stage in the federation’s affiliation process, which could provide access to international competitions, development programmes and other opportunities under the world body’s framework.

The FEI delegation is expected to assess Nigeria’s governance and technical structures, athlete and official development systems, veterinary services, horse welfare, facilities, competition arrangements and anti-doping measures.

Obiorah identified sustainable funding, appropriate facilities, technical capacity, qualified coaches and officials, grassroots participation and horse welfare as some of the challenges facing the sport.

Vice-President of the NEF, Vanessa Asuni, said the federation’s immediate priority was to establish a functioning international pathway for Nigerian riders.

She said the federation would focus on strengthening governance and technical structures, creating certification and development pathways for riders, coaches, grooms and officials, improving veterinary systems and expanding opportunities for Nigerian athletes to gain international exposure.

The FEI visit comes ahead of consideration of Nigeria’s affiliation application by the FEI General Assembly.