Vice President of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Dr James Amidu, said outdated racing equipment is hindering Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2026 Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Para-Track and Track Championships in Abuja.
In an interview, Amidu said Nigeria’s cyclists are competing at a disadvantage, with outdated riders equipment cited as the primary barrier to winning more medals. He noted Nigerian riders use ordinary bicycles, while their continental rivals compete with advanced machines.
Amidu said the technology gap between Nigerian cyclists and stronger African nations was evident on the track.
“The equipment gap has placed Nigerian riders at a disadvantage against stronger cycling nations on the continent,” Amidu said. “You can see the kind of equipment they are using here in Abuja is not what we in Nigeria are using.”
“We are still using ordinary bicycles, while others are using more advanced machines specifically designed for each event. I think that is part of the problem.”
Amidu cited the performances of South Africa and Egypt over the last two days as evidence of the disparity in equipment quality.
“South Africa claimed the majority of gold medals on Friday, while Egypt and South Africa dominated Thursday’s events,” he stressed.
“It’s not that they are better than us. The issue is that the equipment is not available. Other countries come with bicycles specifically designed for each race they are participating in. We usually improvise.”
The CFN vice president said the federation was making efforts to acquire modern racing bicycles to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness at future championships.
In spite of the equipment limitations, Nigeria won 16 medals at the 3rd Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Para Championship held from May 9th – 11th, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja.
Team Nigeria topped the medal table with nine gold, five silver and two bronze medals ahead of Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Algeria.
Amidu said the performance of the para cyclists demonstrated the potential and resilience of Nigerian athletes, despite inadequate equipment challenges confronting the sport.
“I do not think it should discourage us because if physically challenged athletes can win medals, then we too can succeed even without the best equipment,” Aminu said.
“We will continue to make use of what is available, but we must upgrade our equipment for better results.”
The African Track Cycling Championship in Abuja is currently in its final stages, with medal events still ongoing. Countries participating includes Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Benin Republic and hosts Nigeria.
The championships which commenced on May 11 and is expected to end on May 17 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome package A, in Abuja, is the 12th Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Track Cycling Championships .
