By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Host nation Nigeria delivered an impressive performance at the ongoing 2026 CAC Track African Championships in Abuja, recording several podium finishes and strong outings across junior and elite categories on Friday.
Nigeria’s standout performance came in the Women Junior Omnium where Ogbe Divine secured a bronze medal after finishing third overall with 123 points. The Nigerian rider posted consistent scores of 34 in the Scratch Race, 32 in the Tempo Race, 38 in the Elimination Race and 19 points in the Points Race to seal a podium finish behind Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed and South Africa’s Helen Olwage.
In the Men Junior Time Trial, Nigeria also claimed bronze through Monday Joel Berry, who clocked 1:10.781 to finish third behind South Africa’s Daniel le Roux and Egypt’s Mohamed Obay in the 1km event.
Nigeria narrowly missed the podium in the Men Elite Time Trial as Obinna Jude finished fourth in a time of 1:09.200, while compatriot Tijiani Quwam Afolajomi came fifth in 1:09.860. South Africa’s Jean Spies won gold in 1:03.750 ahead of Egypt’s Mahmoud Elimbabi and South African rider Tshilalahufle Marubini Munyai.
Nigeria also produced notable performances in the Individual Pursuit events. In the Men Junior 3km Individual Pursuit, Ibrahim Isiaka finished sixth with a time of 3:54.660, while Monday Joel Berry placed seventh in 4:08.348. South Africa’s Erik Breedt won gold in 3:21.727 ahead of Algeria’s Abdellah Allal and Selmane Mansouri.
In the Men Elite 4km Individual Pursuit, Garba Masud placed fifth in 5:17.473, while Emmanuel Gabriel finished eighth despite recording a faster time of 5:09.566. South Africa’s Rhys Burrell clinched gold with 4:30.810 ahead of Algeria’s Oussama Abdellah Mimouni.
Nigeria’s women also made encouraging showings in the Women Elite Omnium. Otuodung Patience Effiong finished seventh overall with 93 points after scoring 34, 30, 28 and one point across the four races, while Coxson Treasure Melubari placed eighth with 79 points. Egypt’s Ebtissam Zayed dominated the event with 156 points to win gold.
Attention now shifts to Saturday’s events where several Nigerian cyclists are strongly positioned to challenge for medals.
In the Women Junior Individual Pursuit qualification, Nigeria will be represented by Ogbe Divine and Godwin Osaretin Grace, while Otuodung Patience Effiong and Ayuba Grace are scheduled to compete in the Women Elite Time Trial.
Nigeria will also feature prominently in the Men Junior and Men Elite Omnium Scratch races with riders including Ibrahim Isiaka, Monday Joel Berry, Etim Precious Effiong and Emmanuel Gabriel aiming to continue the host nation’s medal push at the championship.
