Sports
Nigeria Cycling Team Begins Qualification Quest
The Nigeria cycling team, on Saturday, began its qualification quest for the Paris 2024 Olympics at the 2023 Africa Track Cycling Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
According to the Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF), the team is made up of eight female cyclists, six senior and two junior cyclists, who have been in camp for over two weeks ahead of the African event.
Speaking on the African track cycling event, a board member of NCF, Femi Thomas, expressed optimism that the team will perform creditably well, as the Federation has put in place necessary logistics for the Cairo event.
“The Nigeria cycling team, after spending over two weeks in the country training for the African championship, was directed by NCF to undergo another training in Cairo, venue of the championship.
“The Nigeria Cycling Federation Board member and Confederation Africa Cycling (CAC), Secretary General, Bashir Mohammed, will be at the Africa Championship in Egypt in Cairo, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympics and World Championship coming up in France, next year,” Thomas said.
He added: “We are optimistic the team will do well in Cairo, going by the level of preparations the Team had in Nigeria ahead of the event. The cyclists left for Cairo on Monday so as to acclimatise and get further training to put them in good shape.
“The federation is trying its best to ensure the team gets enough points to qualify for both the Olympics and world championships next year.”
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.