Sports
Cycling: Team Nigeria To Battle France, Others
Team Nigeria cyclists to the 16th edition of the Tour du Benin have expressed optimism to surpass their previous outing at the championship billed for Port Novo, Benin Republic from May 15.
According to the organisers, the 10-day cycling tour will see Nigeria competing against 10 countries across the world. Teams expected to battle Nigeria in the Benin Republic cycling tourney, which is a nine stage contest are Morocco, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire Togo, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, France, Italy among other countries.
The Nigeria team, which has been in camp in Abeokuta since May1 perfecting strategy for the Benin Republic cycling competition is working hard to surpass their last outing in 2019 where they finished second.
The team was supported with N200,000, bicycle parts, accessories and servicing’s worth N300,000 by Ft Cycle care to ensure a smooth outing in Benin Republic.
The cheque and other items were presented to the Nigerian team by CEO/ FT Cycle Care, Femi Thomas, who said it was his own token to spur the team to victory.
The contingent comprising six cyclists and three officials will depart Nigeria on May 14 for the competition, which will last 10 days.
Femi Thomas, who is Vice Chairman of Ogun State Cycling Association said cycling can put Nigeria in the world map in sports if more corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians invest in it.
Meanwhile, a one-day fun ride cycling championship was organised in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital and Abeokuta, Ogun state, in partnership with Cycology Riding Club of Lagos and Ogun State Commissioner for Transports, as part of events to celebrate May 1 Workers Day, and also create more awareness in cycling across the country.
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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