By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria delivered a strong performance at the 2026 African Track Cycling Championships, finishing third overall at the end of the competition held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja.
Team Nigeria closed its campaign with six additional medals on the final day, rounding off an impressive outing that highlighted the country’s growing presence in African cycling.
South Africa topped the medal table with 22 gold, 11 silver, and 11 bronze medals, while Egypt finished second with 10 gold, eight silver, and nine bronze. Nigeria placed third with nine gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze medals.
Algeria came fourth with three gold, 13 silver, and six bronze medals, while Benin Republic completed the top five.
Speaking after the championship, Technical Director of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Mohammed Bashir, described Nigeria’s performance as impressive despite missing out on the overall title.
He explained that Nigeria focused on selected events with higher medal prospects and did not compete in some races such as the Omnium and certain men’s categories.
Bashir added that hosting the championship in Abuja boosted cycling development locally, increased youth participation, and allowed Nigeria to field more athletes due to reduced travel costs.
He also praised the emergence of new talents during the competition, noting that the event helped discover and develop future champions.
Among standout athletes, he highlighted Osaretin Godwin for her exceptional performances, as well as Nigeria’s historic medal achievements in track events and the men’s elite team sprint victory that secured World Championship qualification.
Nigeria also excelled at the 3rd CAC Para-Cycling Championships earlier in May in Abuja, finishing top of the medal table with nine gold, five silver, and two bronze medals.
Eight countries participated in the championships, including Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Benin Republic, and host Nigeria.
