NOT many Warrington athletes can claim to have received an invite to meet the president.

Padgate Olympian Johny Akinyemi can – he was flown out to Nigeria to meet president Goodluck Jonathan in the country’s capital Abuja last week.

The canoe slalom athlete, who competed for Nigeria at London 2012, joined sports stars including the likes of ex-Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu at the Nigerian Sports Commission event.

Within two days of a call requesting he attend, Akinyemi was on a plane to Abuja.

“It was a really quick turnaround,” said the 26-year-old, who received the call from Nigerian sprinter and former Olympic medallist Mary Onyali.

“By the Thursday I was on the plane to meet president Goodluck Jonathan.

“The rally was held on Saturday and was so busy with everyone trying to get a glimpse of him.

“There were a lot of Nigerian athletes there including retired footballer Kanu and Joseph Yobo. The atmosphere at the event was fantastic.”

He even got a personal ‘good luck’ message in the build up to the Rio Olympics in 2016.

“I met the president and shook his hand,” added Akinyemi. “We had a brief conversation.

“The president thanked me for my hard work in competing for Nigeria and wished me luck in my preparation for Rio. He joked about me being his namesake as we are both Jonathans!

“All of the athletes got a chance to address the crowd and the president, which was very nerve-racking!”