Nigerian Olympian Jonathan Akinyemi is in dire need of funds to begin full preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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The 23-year-old canoeist became the first person from his country to participate in Olympic canoeing/ kayaking last year when he qualified for the London 2012 Games. He is eager to go one step further in Rio by winning a medal.
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To achieve his lofty ambition, the Accounting graduate needs full-time training for the next three years.
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But, at the moment, he cannot afford to train full time.
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"I'm looking for sponsorship to cover some of the costs of my training," the United Kingdom-born and educated Nigerian told Complete Sports. "I think if we are to get medals at 2016 we need to be preparing now.
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"However my money is about to run out and I will need to start looking for a full-time job (I already have a part-time job to help fund my training. I know that if I am to stand any chance of winning a medal at Rio I need to train full time like most of the other top athletes in my sport."
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The young man finished 21st in the K1 event in London after a penalty (points deduction) reduced his chances of progressing into the finals. He is keen to make amends in Rio and feels he owes Nigeria a medal.
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But only a well-funded programme of training will make that dream come true. To fund his training, keep in shape and stay competitive, Akinyemi works four days a week part-time.
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"But to allow me to do this I need help with funding,"
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Akinyemi appealed. "To know that the expenses of competing and training are covered would allow me to work towards my goal of winning a medal for Nigeria by the grace of God.
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"I am in a kind of catch 22. In order to compete at the highest level in Rio I need to be able to train full time and do international races. But that costs money, and to be able to afford it I have to work more and earn more money which means I have to train less, which means I will be at a disadvantage against my competitors at Rio. I am hungry for success in Rio and I'm already planning my strategy for Rio."
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Although Akinyemi had defied the odds by winning a qualifying tournament in South Africa – doing better than Togo's Beijing 2008 bronze medallist Benjamin Bopoukdi in the process – London 2012 was still a steep learning curve. He insists that the experience will stand him in good stead in Rio.
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"I have learnt a lot from London 2012. And I now know what it takes to achieve in Rio. I am so hungry and passionate that Nigeria MUST win medals in Rio.
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We are the powerhouse of Africa and we need to show the world that we are world beaters."
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Akinyemi was one of the poster boys of Nigeria's London 2012 campaign but, as at this moment, help has not been forthcoming from the country's sporting authorities.
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"I have emailed the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the sports commission and sent them my programme for the four years leading up to Rio 2016," he revealed.