By Aderonke Ojo

Dr James Amidu, Vice-President of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), says outdated racing equipment is hindering Nigeria’s cyclists performance at the ongoing 2026 African Track Cycling Championship in Abuja.

Amidu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) in an interview on Saturday in Abuja that Nigeria’s cyclists are competing at a disadvantage, with outdated riders equipment cited as the primary barrier to winning more medals.

According to him, Nigerian riders are using ordinary bicycles, while their continental rivals compete with advanced, race-specific machines because they lacked modern racing bicycles used by other countries.

He 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.

“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,” he said.

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.

“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,” he said.

The CFN vice-president said the federation was making efforts to acquire modern racing bicycles to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness at future championships.

Amidu, however, said the official medal tally for the current championship is still being compiled, and the federation would release verified figures once the process is complete to avoid misinformation.

“I cannot give you the exact medal figures for now because we are still compiling them.

“Whatever information I give now may not be accurate, and as journalists, people expect verified facts from you,” he said.

In spite of  the equipment limitations, Amidu said Nigeria won 16 medals at the 3rd Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Para Championship held from May 9 to May 11 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja.

He said 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 in spite of 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.

“We will continue to make use of what is available, but we must upgrade our equipment for better results,” he said.

He also decried low spectator turnout and poor media coverage at the championship, attributing it to inadequate publicity.

Amidu, who also serves as the board representative for North Central Nigeria and Chairman of the Plateau Cycling Federation, said that the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko was present to witness the championship on Friday for the first time.

The African Track Cycling Championship in Abuja is currently in its final stages with medal events still ongoing.

NAN reports that the total of eight countries participating are Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Benin Republic and host nation 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.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh