By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s cyclists continued their impressive run at the 2026 CAC Track African Championships in Abuja, winning medals in several events and reaching important finals.
The championship, taking place from May 13 to 17, has drawn top cyclists from across Africa, including riders from Egypt, South Africa and Algeria.
Ibrahim Isiaka Wins Silver
Nigeria recorded one of its biggest moments in the junior men’s 25km points race. Ibrahim Isiaka won silver after a close contest with South Africa’s Noah September.
Isiaka finished with 60 points, just behind September who claimed gold with 63 points. Egypt’s Saifallah Ali Alsayed took bronze with 58 points.
Another Nigerian rider, Joel Berry Monday, finished seventh in the race.
Godwin Grace Wins Gold for Nigeria
Nigeria celebrated gold in the women’s junior sprint event.
Godwin Osaretin Grace defeated Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed in straight rides to emerge African champion.
Ogbe Divine also added another medal for Nigeria after winning bronze against Egypt’s Jomana Mahmoud.
Grace Ayuba Claims Silver
In the elite women’s sprint, Grace Ayuba secured silver for Nigeria. Egypt’s Shahd Mohamed won gold, while South Africa’s Amber Hindmarch settled for bronze.
Nigeria’s Jessica Ali Gambo finished fifth overall. Nigeria also picked up silver in the women’s junior points race.
Godwin Osaretin Grace finished second with 19 points behind Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed, who dominated with 48 points.
Ogbe Divine placed fourth with 12 points.
Nigerian Riders Fight Hard in Elite Events
In the elite women’s points race, Patience Effiong Otuodung finished sixth. Mary Samuel placed seventh after losing points despite earlier gaining a lap advantage.
Nigeria also secured bronze in the men’s elite elimination race through Tijiani Quwam Afolajomi. South Africa’s Gustav Roller won gold, while Algeria’s Assal Med Nadjib claimed silver.
Gabriel John Odumu finished seventh in the final. In the junior men’s elimination final, Ibrahim Isiaka added another bronze medal for Nigeria. Joel Berry Monday finished ninth.
Nigeria Targets More Finals
Team Nigeria maintained strong participation heading into Day Three of the championship. Nigerian riders competed in the Madison, Omnium, Individual Pursuit and Time Trial events.
Joel Berry Monday, Gabriel John Odumu and Shaibu Ibrahim represented Nigeria in the Madison finals. In the women’s Omnium, Divine Ogbe and Esther Godwin Osayamen featured in the junior category.
Treasure Melubari Coxson and Patience Effiong Otuodung competed in the elite class.
Strong Home Support for Team Nigeria
Nigeria also featured strongly in the men’s individual pursuit qualifiers. Joel Berry Monday competed in the junior 3km pursuit.
Gabriel John Odumu and Masud Garba raced in the elite 4km category.
In the one-kilometre time trial qualifiers, Joel Berry Monday and Ibrahim Isiaka battled cyclists from Egypt, South Africa and Zimbabwe for places in the finals.
Earlier in the championship, Joel Berry Monday won bronze in the junior men’s keirin event. The championship continues with more medal events before ending on Sunday.
With several medals already secured, Team Nigeria continues to show growing strength in African track cycling.
