Sports
Track Cycling: 10 Countries To Participate In 2019 Africa Cup
Cycling teams from 10 countries have so far indicated interest in participating in the 2019 Africa Track Cup Championship slated for the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The Media Officer of Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Dorcas Jonah, disclosed in a statement at the weekend in Abuja that no fewer than 100 participants would feature in the competition.
She said they would take part in 18 events in the junior and elite categories.
Tidesports source reports that the competition would be hosted by the CFN from July 26 to July 28.
Jonah also disclosed that the CFN President, Giandomenico Massari, has said the federation was expecting teams from 18 countries at the competition.
“So far only 10 countries have indicated interest. But we are still hopeful.
“However, we are sure that the 2019 Africa Track Cycling Cup will be graced by former Italian cycling professionals like Mrs Giorgia Bronzini, three-times United Cycling International (UCI) world champion, and Roberto Chiappa, two-times UCI world champion.
“Also, former Italy national team member, Andrea Tonti, and other lieutenants of several UCI world champions will be around during the competition.
“The leadership of Confederation of Africa Cycling (CAC), led by its president, Mohamed Azzam, would also be in Abuja for the event,” the CFN spokesperson quoted Massari as saying.
Tidesports also reports that countries whose teams have already indicated interest in participating in the championship are: Guinea, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Republic of Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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