Sports
Italian Group, Byke Division Tour Operator Gives Cycling Equipment to CFN
In the efforts to grow the game of cycling in Nigeria, the Italian group and Byke Division Tour Operator has donated bicycle accessories worth millions of naira to Cycling Federation Of Nigeria.
The Italian based group gesture was made possible through former Italian cyclist and road bicycle racer for UCI professional team, Andrea Tonti, who represented many cycling teams like lampre -Cafffita, Quick step -Innergetic and Carmiooro NGC in road cycling during his professional cycling career championed the group course through advocating support grassroot development of cycling across the world.
In furtherance of that relationship with cycling federation of Nigeria, the group donated cycling equipment of different kind to assist the federation in taking the sports to grassroots.
The Items donated are bicycle spare part, tubes, tyres, riding vest, track suit, wheel disk, skin suit, riding shoes, gloves, hand band and helmet.
While receiving the equipment, the President of the federation, Giandomenico Massari appreciated Tonti led group for their support and stated that ‘this equipment will go a long way in furthering the growth of cycling in the grassroot and Nigeria at large’
‘We are taking stock of all the equipment and they are so many but by tomorrow we would have been able to ascertain all the thing sent to us, however, we are totally appreciative of what he has done for the growth of cycling in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the second batch of Nigeria cycling team will depart for Cairo, Egypt, Saturday for the UCI world championship junior track .
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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