By Andrew Abah
The 2026 Africa Para and Track Cycling Championships currently going on at the Velodrome of MKO Stadium Abuja is at the crucial stage as Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa compete for top positions at the medal table.
Secretary of Nigeria Cycling Federation, Joel Akinluwa in a chat in his office expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the competition so far so especially Team Nigeria in terms of gold medals particularly Nigeria Para Cyclists.
He said some Nigeria para cyclists who won medals rode on the cycling tracks for the first time.
" my joy is that Nigeria cyclists are doing very well. For the the to compete against the top three nations in Africa South Africa, Algeria and Egypt meaning that our athletics are catching up. You know Olympics is in two years and with the kind of motivation and willingness our cyclists Nigeria will finish at the podium.
Also hosting the competition in Nigeria is advange to us in terms of logistics and the cost in taking our cyclists to participate outside our shores.what we are doing is to expose and develop them for future competitions. So far the Federation is doing great in terms of organisation and no caualty recorded so far both cyclists and officials". Said Federation Secretary.
Akinluwa commended the National Sports commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and DG Bukola Olopade for rheir tremendous support in hosting the Championship. " The duo are wonderful administrators and always be there to give support and encourage athletes towards achieving podium finish at the world stage".